A fallen tree caused a serious multi-vehicle collision on the E40 motorway near Hognoul, in the municipality of Awans, on Tuesday evening, Belgian emergency services confirmed. The incident involved an ambulance and five other vehicles, leading to significant damage and temporary traffic disruption.
According to Liège firefighters, the tree was located on the central reservation of the motorway and collapsed at around 9:30pm. The falling tree blocked both the left and central lanes on the Brussels-to-Liège carriageway, between the Hognoul exit and the Loncin interchange in Ans.
Moments after the tree fell, an ambulance transporting an injured person struck the obstruction. The impact triggered a chain of collisions involving five additional vehicles that were unable to avoid the fallen tree in time, authorities said.
Emergency services were rapidly dispatched to the scene to manage the situation. A second ambulance was sent to ensure the injured patient being transported at the time of the crash could be safely transferred and taken to hospital without further delay.
Despite the scale of the collision and the number of vehicles involved, officials confirmed that no additional injuries were reported. The occupants of the other vehicles escaped unharmed, though several cars sustained extensive material damage.
Firefighters worked swiftly to secure the area and remove hazards from the roadway. Their intervention was completed within a short time, allowing police to take over traffic control and coordinate the towing of damaged vehicles from the motorway.
By approximately 10:30pm, police remained on site to assist with clearing operations and to manage traffic flow through the affected section of the E40. Motorists were advised to proceed with caution, as residual delays were reported during the late evening.
The cause of the tree’s collapse has not yet been officially confirmed, though authorities are expected to assess whether weather conditions or structural weakness played a role. The incident has renewed attention on roadside safety and the risks posed by falling trees along major transport routes.
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