Traffic chaos on E40 after crash involving three lorries

The E40 motorway was the scene of massive traffic chaos on Monday after three lorries collided on the eastbound exit to the Groot-Bijgaarden petrol services and caught fire. One truck driver died, and the road was blocked in both directions for several hours.

Emergency services feared the danger of explosion given the proximity to the petrol station, but the three vehicles had come to rest on the hard shoulder of the E40. One was carrying PVC powder, but firefighters were able to get the fire under control before the chemical could catch fire.

The driver who died was a British national. His details have not been released.

The accident occurred around 9.30 at Groot-Bijgaarden, just west of Brussels. The removal of the vehicles could only begin after several hours, when the fire was completely extinguished and after a search as to the identity of the British driver was complete. Traffic heading in the direction of Brussels were diverted via the Ternat exit, but the tailbacks found many drivers waiting more than six hours on the motorway.

Among them was Ghent mayor Daniel Termont, who complained about the lack of communication. “As mayor, I have a priority vehicle with a blue light and siren,” he said later. “But that’s intended for emergencies. This was not a mayoral emergency, so I had no option but to wait in line like everyone else.”

Drivers unable to escape the traffic jam did their best to keep themselves entertained. A van full of Irish folk musicians played for neighbouring motorists. Some drivers fished out beach toys from the boot and played badminton on the hard shoulder. One caterer sold packed meals from her on-board refrigeration unit.

The delays continued to have an effect on the afternoon rush hour traffic. All lanes were clear on the E40 only after 19.00.

The cause of the accident is not yet known. An investigative team is due to visit the scene again today to examine skid-marks caused by braking. The remains of the three vehicles will also be examined.