A major accident on the A1 highway near Stapelfeld, between Hamburg and Lübeck, has caused significant disruptions.

Early this morning, a truck carrying cow manure collided with a bridge after a tire burst, spilling debris and manure across the road.

While the truck driver was unharmed, 18 people sustained minor injuries, and several vehicles were damaged.

Authorities have closed the A1 in both directions between Barsbüttel and Stapelfeld as a structural engineer assesses the bridge's safety.

Commuters are facing severe delays, with traffic jams of up to two hours towards Hamburg and 45 minutes towards Lübeck.

Alternative routes are limited, further complicating the situation.

It remains unclear when the highway will reopen.