* 2025-07-16 Frankfurt Incident: Vehicle Fire on Motorway 3 Triggers Major Emergency Response

Breaking News: Major Incident on A3 Motorway in Frankfurt

On Tuesday, July 15, 2025, a significant incident occurred on the A3 motorway near Frankfurt. A burning pickup truck required a large deployment of police and firefighters, causing a full closure of the motorway and resulting in traffic disruptions.

The incident began when the driver of the pickup truck, a 43-year-old individual, noticed smoke coming from the ventilation and engine compartment while driving on the A3 towards Cologne. The truck was soon fully engulfed in flames, and the installed gas tank detonated.

The fire was extensive, causing damage to the road surface and the tunnel ceiling. The truck, which was only registered a few months ago, was a total loss, with the total loss estimated to be in the high five-figure range. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident.

Traffic had to be stopped in both directions of the A3 due to heavy smoke. The Cologne direction remained closed for another hour, at least for the left lane. The nearby airport was also informed about the restricted visibility.

The investigation regarding the accident of the burning pickup truck on the A3 and the subsequent fire is currently conducted by the police responsible for the area of the incident. The cause of the fire is currently being investigated by the criminal police.

The bridge structure was re-opened for vehicle and aircraft traffic after inspection. Inquiries can be directed to the Police Headquarters Frankfurt am Main Press Office. Contact details for the Press Office are as follows:

Adickesallee 70, 60322 Frankfurt am Main, Telephone: 069 / 755-82110 (CvD), Fax: 069 / 755-82009, Email: [email protected], Homepage: http://www.polizei.hessen.de/ppffm.

The full closure in the direction of Würzburg was lifted after approximately 40 minutes. However, the effects of the incident are still being assessed, and the total damage cannot yet be quantified.

This information was originally transmitted by the Police Headquarters Frankfurt am Main via news aktuell. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. Stay safe on the roads, and remember to report any unusual occurrences to the authorities.