A source from the Coimbra Territorial Command of the GNR reported at 5:05 PM that the reopening of traffic in the south-north direction, between the Avelar (Leiria district) and Penela junctions, will be delayed as operations continue to remove the two heavily damaged vehicles and clean the roadway.
Approximately four hours after the accident, which was alerted at 12:54 PM today, one of the lanes was finally opened to allow 40 trucks stranded on the A13 to pass through.
These heavy vehicles were unable to turn around, unlike light vehicles which, with the support and guidance of the GNR, exited the highway and returned to the Avelar junction. The lane was closed again after the trucks were cleared.
Earlier information from the Leiria Region’s sub-regional Emergency and Civil Protection command indicated that while rescue operations were ongoing, water was provided to motorists stranded on the A13.
The collision between two articulated heavy goods vehicles resulted in one death and one serious injury at kilometer 180 of the Interior Pine Highway, with one of the trucks completely blocking the road.
As long as the south-north lane of the A13 remains closed, drivers are advised to exit at the Avelar junction to the IC8 and then take the IC3 towards Penela.
At the scene, 19 personnel were involved in rescue and safety operations, supported by nine vehicles from the Ansião volunteer firefighters, GNR, National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM), and the highway’s concessionaire company.
