A major traffic disruption unfolded on a key German Autobahn Thursday after a truck carrying over 5,000 chickens overturned near Quedlinburg, resulting in a nearly 18-hour closure of the A36 highway[[1]]. The accident,which occurred between quedlinburg-Mitte and Thale,prompted a large-scale response from emergency services and raised concerns about animal welfare and the impact on regional transport[[2]]. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the rollover, which resulted in meaningful animal loss and required extensive cleanup efforts.
Traffic on a stretch of Autobahn A36 near Quedlinburg, Germany, returned to normal late Thursday after an 18-hour closure following a truck accident. The disruption stemmed from a collision involving a vehicle transporting over 5,000 chickens.
Transporter with 5,200 Chickens Overturns – Many Animals Perish
The incident occurred Thursday morning between Quedlinburg-Mitte and Thale when the truck overturned, according to reports. The vehicle was carrying approximately 5,200 chickens at the time. Authorities say a significant number of the birds died due to the damage sustained to the truck and trailer. Many injured chickens had to be euthanized by veterinary officials. Some animals escaped and were found wandering near the highway.
Firefighters and Technical Relief Agency Respond – Cause of Accident Unknown
Fire crews, the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW), and specialized companies worked through the evening to contain the situation, recover the animals, and clear the wreckage using heavy equipment. The extensive cleanup was necessary to reopen the vital transportation route.
The driver of the truck was not injured in the accident. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and authorities have not yet determined why the driver lost control of the vehicle.
