multiple Injuries Reported Following Traffic Collision in Eastern Slovakia
Table of Contents
- 1. multiple Injuries Reported Following Traffic Collision in Eastern Slovakia
- 2. Details of the Incident and Injuries
- 3. Emergency Response and Road Closure
- 4. Understanding the Rise in Road Accidents
- 5. What alternative routes are being suggested for drivers during teh I/21 road closure near chmeľov?
- 6. I/21 Road Closure in Chmeľov: Latest Updates on Collision & Injuries
- 7. Collision Details & Current Status
- 8. Injury Reports & Medical Assistance
- 9. Weather Conditions & Road Safety
- 10. Travel Alternatives & Data Resources
- 11. Previous Incidents on the I/21
- 12. Ongoing Investigation
Chmeľov, Slovakia – A serious traffic accident on Road I/21 near the village of Chmeľov in Eastern Slovakia has resulted in six injuries, Authorities confirmed the roadway was initially closed in both directions, but has since been reopened as of 8:35 PM local time. Emergency services responded to the scene and provided immediate medical attention to those involved in the incident.
Details of the Incident and Injuries
Initial reports indicated a significant collision requiring a full response from local fire and rescue teams. According to officials, emergency personnel transported five individuals to Prešov Hospital with varying degrees of trauma. A 52-year-old male and a 42-year-old male were treated for abdominal injuries.
Further medical evaluations revealed a 60-year-old man sustained head and chest injuries, while a 48-year-old man suffered injuries to his hip, lower limb, and head. One additional patient, a 53-year-old man, was transported to a hospital in bardejov, also with a head injury. A 55-year-old man received treatment for a chest injury at a medical facility in Vranov nad Topľou.
Emergency Response and Road Closure
Five firefighters were dispatched to the location to assist with rescue operations and secure the area. Police actively investigated the cause of the accident and managed traffic flow around the collision site. The roadway was initially shut down to allow emergency crews to work safely, creating significant delays for motorists. The road was reopened after investigators completed their initial assessment.
Understanding the Rise in Road Accidents
recent data from the European Road Safety Council indicates a concerning rise in traffic accidents across several European nations, often linked to factors such as distracted driving and speeding. According to data released in November 2023, distracted driving accounts for approximately 20-30% of all road accidents, while speeding remains a major contributing factor in nearly 30% of fatal collisions. European Road Safety Council
| Injury Type | Number of People Affected |
|---|---|
| Abdominal Injuries | 2 |
| Head Injuries | 3 |
| Chest Injuries | 2 |
| Lower Limb & Hip Injuries | 1 |
Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of safe driving practices, including adhering to speed limits, avoiding distractions, and ensuring all occupants are properly restrained. Following a collision, it is vital to remain calm and await the arrival of emergency responders.
What measures do you think could be most effective in reducing traffic accidents in your community? Do you feel current road safety campaigns are adequately addressing the key causes of collisions?
Share your thoughts in the comments below, and please share this article with your network to raise awareness about road safety.
What alternative routes are being suggested for drivers during teh I/21 road closure near chmeľov?
I/21 Road Closure in Chmeľov: Latest Updates on Collision & Injuries
Chmeľov, Slovakia – January 28, 2026, 19:55 CET – A importent traffic disruption is currently in effect following a multi-vehicle collision on the I/21 highway near Chmeľov. The roadway is fully closed to traffic as emergency services work to clear the scene and attend to the injured. Initial reports indicate six individuals sustained injuries in the incident.
Collision Details & Current Status
The collision,reported at approximately 16:15 CET,involved three vehicles – a passenger car,a light commercial van,and a heavy goods vehicle (HGV). The exact cause of the accident is still under investigation by local police and traffic authorities. Preliminary investigations suggest icy road conditions may have been a contributing factor, though this remains unconfirmed.
* Road Closure: The I/21 is currently closed in both directions between exit 42 (Stropkov) and exit 45 (Vranov nad Topľou).Motorists are advised to seek alternative routes.
* Diversion Routes: Traffic is being diverted via the secondary road network (Route 559) through Stropkov and Vranov nad Topľou. Expect significant delays on these routes.
* Emergency Response: Multiple emergency units are on scene, including fire and rescue services, ambulance crews, and police officers. A specialized trauma team was dispatched from Košice to assist with the more serious injuries.
* Vehicle Recovery: Heavy-duty recovery vehicles are en route to remove the damaged vehicles and clear the carriageway.This process is expected to take several hours.
Injury Reports & Medical Assistance
Six people were injured in the collision, ranging from minor to serious injuries.
- Driver of the Passenger Car: Sustained moderate injuries and was transported to the hospital in Vranov nad Topľou.
- Passenger in the Passenger Car: Suffered minor injuries and received treatment at the scene.
- Driver of the Light Commercial Van: Extricated from the vehicle by fire crews and airlifted to a hospital in Košice with serious injuries.
- Passenger in the Light Commercial Van: Sustained moderate injuries and was transported to the hospital in Vranov nad Topľou.
- Driver of the HGV: Received minor injuries and was treated at the scene.
- Passenger of the HGV: Sustained moderate injuries and was transported to the hospital in Vranov nad Topľou.
hospital officials confirm they are prepared to receive and treat the injured individuals. further updates on thier conditions will be provided as they become available.
Weather Conditions & Road Safety
The region has been experiencing fluctuating temperatures and localized icy patches on roadways. The Slovak Roads Management (SSC) issued a warning earlier today advising motorists to exercise extreme caution while driving.
* Black ice: Black ice, a thin, transparent layer of ice, is especially dangerous as it is indeed difficult to see.
* Reduced Visibility: Fog and mist have also been reported in the area, further reducing visibility.
* Winter tire Regulations: Slovakia has strict regulations regarding the use of winter tires during the winter months. Drivers are legally required to use winter tires or all-season tires with the M+S marking.
* Safe Driving Practices: Drivers are urged to reduce their speed, increase their following distance, and avoid sudden braking or steering maneuvers.
Travel Alternatives & Data Resources
Motorists planning to travel in the vicinity of Chmeľov are strongly advised to postpone their journeys if possible.
* SSC Website: The Slovak Roads Administration website (https://www.ssc.sk/) provides real-time traffic updates and road closure information.
* Police of the Slovak Republic: The Police of the slovak Republic website (https://www.policia.sk/) offers official statements and updates on the investigation.
* Local Radio Stations: Local radio stations are broadcasting regular traffic reports.
* Navigation Apps: Popular navigation apps such as Waze and Google Maps are providing alternative route suggestions.
Previous Incidents on the I/21
The I/21 highway, while a vital transportation artery connecting eastern Slovakia, has seen a number of incidents in recent years, particularly during the winter months. In February 2024, a similar road closure occurred due to a multi-vehicle pile-up caused by heavy snowfall. This incident prompted calls for improved winter road maintenance and increased safety measures along the route. The SSC has since invested in additional snowplows and salt spreaders,but challenging weather conditions continue to pose a risk.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation into the cause of today’s collision is ongoing. Police are interviewing witnesses and examining the vehicles involved. A full report will be released once the investigation is complete. Authorities are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the accident to come forward with information.
