Coast-bound E40 motorway closed at Drongen
An accident involving four cars has closed the coast-bound carriageway of the E40 motorway at Drongen in East Flanders. Three of the vehicles involved in the accident caught fire. The fire has since been put out. One person was slightly injured in the crash. The closure of the motorway has led to huge tailbacks with those wishing to drive to the coast being subject to delays of around one and a half hours.
Those wishing to enjoy today’s fine, sunny weather at the seaside are advised to seek an alternative route as traffic on the E40 is at a standstill between Zwijnaarde and Drongen south of Ghent. The accident happened on Saturday morning just beyond the Drongen interchange.
The motorway was closed and traffic diverted. The emergency services say that they are working flat out to try and clear at least one lane of the motorway so that it can open to traffic as soon as possible.
The close of the motorway has caused a long traffic jam on the coast-bound carriageway. Meanwhile, there are also delays on the Brussels-bound carriageway as drivers slow down to see what has happen. Those wishing to reach the coast (or Bruges) from Ghent or Brussels are advised to take the R4 and the E34 or to take the E17 via Kortrijk.