Major bus fire cuts Norway in half as Easter travel plans disrupted
A severe bus fire in the Raudhammartunnel early Friday has forced the closure of Norway’s E6 highway in Sørfold, effectively cutting off the main road link between northern and southern Norway, Dagbladet reports.
Traffic operator Fredrik Nyland of the Norwegian Road Traffic Centre called the timing “perhaps the worst possible day,” as the incident coincides with the start of Easter travel. “People need to be patient this morning,” he told Avisa Nordland. “Crews are working flat out, but it will take hours before we have concrete updates.”
Renate Aanes, a traffic operator for the Norwegian Public Roads Administration, described the tunnel’s location as “the worst possible place” for such an incident. With E6 closed, the only alternative route between northern and southern Norway is a lengthy detour through Sweden—adding significant travel time.
“You have to cross multiple mountain passes. It’s a much longer distance,” Aanes said. She urged drivers to delay travel plans until further notice, adding that authorities are assessing structural damage before reopening the tunnel.
Local officials warned of broader consequences if the closure extends beyond Friday evening. Britt Helen Løksa, mayor of the nearby Hamarøy municipality, noted that the E6 is a critical supply route. “If this lasts longer, it will quickly disrupt goods transport from Fauske and northward,” she said. The closure also blocks ambulance access to Bodø Hospital for residents north of the tunnel, though air transport remains an option.
Detours are limited: drivers must either take a 10-plus-hour route via Bodø and Lofoten or travel through Sweden. Poor weather further complicates ferry-based alternatives.
Police confirmed the fire was reported at 00:42 Friday but have yet to locate the bus driver. “Firefighters searched the entire bus and tunnel—no person was found inside,” authorities stated, adding that while there is no indication anyone is missing, the investigation continues.