Long queues and multiple accidents mark Midsummer traffic

Long queues have formed on the Öland Bridge as Sweden’s busy Midsummer weekend traffic draws to a close, according to the Swedish Transport Administration.

The agency reported that traffic has largely flowed as expected, despite several serious accidents. Congestion on the bridge has stretched for kilometres, with multiple vehicles breaking down or involved in collisions, according to Swedish Radio’s traffic desk.

“There’s been heavy traffic on the Öland Bridge since this morning, and it will likely continue through the afternoon,” said Denny Josefsson, a Transport Administration spokesperson.

Two fatal accidents occurred over the holiday. On Midsummer Eve, an elderly couple in their 80s died after their car was struck while attempting a U-turn through a gap in the central barrier on national road 40 near Borås. Early on Midsummer Day, a motorcyclist veered off the road near Länna in Stockholm, sustaining fatal injuries after being taken to hospital with life-threatening wounds.

Josefsson advised drivers heading home to “treat fellow road users like friends.”