Eight killed, 130 injured after freak sandstorm on German freeway

April 10, 2011

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By staff writers From: NewsCore April 10, 2011 11:13AM

AT least eight people were killed and 130 injured as a freak sandstorm caused a

massive pile up in Germany's east.

At least 21 people were still in hospital as a result of yesteray's massive

pile-up, according to news website The Local which cited NDR 1 Radio MV.

Strong winds blew sand and earth on to the four-lane A19 autobahn near Rostock,

in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania state, severely hindering visibility and

causing accidents in both directions.

German President Christian Wulff expressed his condolences for the injured and

the bereaved today and thanked rescue workers who worked to help people from

more than 80 vehicles which became entangled at the fiery crash scene.

Chemicals in one truck were thought to have sparked the fire, and authorities

said the autobahn should be reopened in both directions before the start of the

week despite serious damage caused by the flames.

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