Several drivers on highway drive into sinkhole after landslide in Sweden | Abroad

The E6 at Stenungsund, about fifty kilometers north of Gothenburg, is closed in both directions after persistent rain caused a landslide last night at around 1.20am. There is a lot of damage in several places. Near a Preem gas station, a large crack runs from one side of the road to the other. Several trucks in the area are damaged and are on a slope.

“The worst affected parts of the affected area are approximately 150 by 100 meters in size. However, in total, the landslide affected an area of ​​approximately 700 by 200 meters,” Gothenburg rescue services said in a statement. Rescue workers and sniffer dogs search the area. There are also helicopters on site. Three people were taken to hospital with minor injuries.

It is not yet clear what exactly caused the landslide. However, the police have opened an investigation because explosions were carried out at a nearby construction site.

Rescue services report that about ten vehicles drove into the sinkhole. “The cars ended up in the hole and were hit by the rubble,” said Niclas Fogelqvist, head of the emergency services in Greater Gothenburg. Nearby buildings were also seriously damaged. For example, a Burger King restaurant collapsed.

A truck driver testifies to ‘Dagens Nyheter’ about the terrifying moment he woke up because his truck was shaking violently. “I was sleeping in my truck at a gas station. I saw trees falling and the ground moving. The hamburger restaurant has been destroyed,” it said.

Further landslides cannot be ruled out at this time. The emergency services ask everyone to stay away. The police have cordoned off the area due to the risk of collapse. Traffic is being diverted via route 650.