E18 Partially Closed Near Ikea Slependen Following Trailer Accident and Tesla Fire
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A major traffic disruption is impacting commuters near Oslo, Norway, as the E18 highway remains partially closed following a series of incidents involving a trailer and a Tesla vehicle.
A chain of events unfolded on Wednesday, January 14th, beginning with a trailer accident and culminating in a vehicle fire, causing significant delays and prompting a response from emergency services. The incidents occurred near Ikea Slependen, a major commercial area just outside Oslo.
Trailer ‘Scissoring’ Leads to Initial Road Closure
The initial incident, reported to police at 08:54 local time, involved a trailer that shearing – a dangerous maneuver where a trailer swings uncontrollably, pushing the towing vehicle sideways – and became lodged in the guardrail. According to the Norwegian Road Administration, the trailer remains stuck, requiring specialized equipment for removal. A representative from the administration stated, “The trailer is stuck in the guardrail.”
The impact of the trailer partially pushed the guardrail into the oncoming lane, creating a hazardous situation for other drivers. Authorities noted the need to partially push the safety barrier further out into the roadway to facilitate recovery efforts. The driver of the trailer is currently undergoing examination at the scene, with Tungberger en route to assist.
Tesla Fire Linked to Guardrail Collision
Shortly after the trailer accident, a separate incident was reported: a Tesla vehicle caught fire nearby. Investigations quickly revealed a direct connection between the two events. According to police reports, the Tesla collided with the guardrail that had been displaced by the earlier trailer incident.
“The Tesla has driven into the guardrail which was pushed out into the other lane due to the trailer cutting into the exit lane. This has caused the Tesla to start burning,” explained the operations manager in a police statement. A witness, Malin Gaden, who was traveling by bus, described seeing “full smoke coming from the Tesla” near the entrance to the Slependen center.
Driver Hospitalized, Traffic Severely Impacted
Emergency services responded swiftly to both incidents, deploying multiple ambulances to the scene. The driver of the Tesla was transported to a hospital with injuries sustained in the collision, including damage to their face and chest caused by airbag deployment.
The accidents resulted in a complete closure of the E18 inbound, towards Oslo, for a period. By 09:27, traffic was partially restored to a single lane, with authorities directing vehicles to exit at Slependen and utilize Billingstadsletta as an alternative route. However, significant congestion persisted, with reports of a “very long queue towards Oslo.”
Fire Extinguished, Recovery Efforts Underway
The fire brigade successfully extinguished the Tesla fire by 09:24. As of 09:46, the police indicated that the road would remain blocked until the trailer could be removed and a full assessment of the guardrail damage could be completed.
Authorities continue to urge motorists to exercise caution and expect delays in the area. .
