A hazardous situation unfolded on the A1 autobahn in Germany when gas began leaking from a faulty valve on a truck transporting dangerous goods.

The incident prompted authorities to close the highway in both directions between Unna and Kamen-Zentrum.

Police in Dortmund confirmed the closure around 7 PM, with the shutdown extending late into the night.

Local residents were alerted via the Nina warning app to keep their windows and doors closed as a precautionary measure.

The nature of the gas remains unidentified, but the leak caused significant disruption, resulting in kilometers-long traffic jams.

Officials could not provide an estimated time for reopening the affected stretch of the autobahn.