A truck driver, later identified as a Lithuanian national, crashed into barriers on the S8 highway near Warsaw, completely blocking traffic after testing nearly 3‰ BAC.
Truck Crash Blocks S8 Highway
The incident occurred around 11:30 AM on the Konotopa viaduct, at the exit from the S8 to the S2 highway. A truck collided with energy-absorbing barriers, blocking passage, according to Junior Captain Damian Dolniak of the Warsaw West County State Fire Service.
Firefighters had to use hydraulic tools to free the driver, who was trapped in the vehicle. Initial reports indicated the driver did not sustain life-threatening injuries.
Driver Found Heavily Intoxicated
Police conducted a breathalyzer test at the scene, which returned a positive result. A blood sample was taken for further investigation, stated Senior Sergeant Martyna Podolska of the Warsaw West County Police.
Later, Junior Sergeant Jakub Filipiak of the Warsaw Police clarified that the driver is a citizen of Lithuania and had almost 3 promille of alcohol in his system. He was arrested and taken to the Ożarów Mazowiecki police station and did not require hospitalization.
Significant Traffic Disruptions
Traffic towards the airport is completely blocked, Junior Captain Dolniak reported after 12:00 PM. The General Directorate for National Roads and Highways indicated that the disruptions are expected to last for several hours.
Police Urge Drivers to Seek Alternate Routes
Senior Sergeant Podolska of the Warsaw West County Police headquarters in Stare Babice urged drivers to avoid the area and use alternative routes, as reported to Gazeta.pl.
