Overview
- The cluster of crashes over the weekend from May 29–31 included confirmed fatal collisions on the A2 near Hamm, the B35 between Bruchsal and Heidelsheim, and the S57 at Penig.
- At least four people died in those three crashes and dozens more were injured, with several victims flown by rescue helicopter to regional hospitals and some left with life‑threatening wounds.
- Initial accounts cite a mix of causes such as a wrong‑way driver, aquaplaning in heavy rain and apparent pedal confusion in one case, and police have opened investigations at multiple scenes to determine exact causes.
- Emergency services mounted large responses across states, using volunteer fire brigades, air ambulances and technical rescue teams, while major roads were temporarily closed for rescue work and forensic examinations.
- Authorities warn that high travel volumes and stormy conditions increase risk, and they urged drivers to keep speed and distance, noting some crashes could lead to criminal probes if negligence, intoxication or dangerous driving are found.