Patches of black ice caused major disruption at the gates of Monaco on Tuesday morning, after two accidents occurred in quick succession on the A500 motorway...
The incidents happened shortly before 8:00 a.m. on December 30, as freezing conditions created hazardous driving conditions on the elevated stretch of road. The first accident occurred around one kilometre after the toll barrier on the A500 heading towards Monaco, while a second collision was reported moments later in the opposite direction, towards the A8, in the left-hand lane. No serious injuries were reported, but both incidents required rapid intervention.
Emergency services were immediately dispatched to the scene, and traffic was brought to a complete standstill in both directions to secure the area and allow road treatment teams to intervene. Salt and anti-icing measures were applied to the affected sections of roadway, where patches of black ice had formed despite generally clear conditions.
As a precaution, the Monaco tunnel and exit number 56 were temporarily closed, causing delays for commuters entering and leaving the Principality during the busy morning period. Authorities urged drivers to avoid the area where possible and to exercise extreme caution, particularly on shaded or exposed sections of road.
Traffic conditions gradually improved once the roadway was secured. The Monaco tunnel and exit reopened at around 8:30 a.m., with traffic returning to normal shortly afterwards. Drivers are reminded that winter conditions can create sudden dangers, even on major routes.
Photo by Jacek Dylag
