Rapid ice formation blamed for serious crash on Hveradalabrekka

Rapidly forming ice is being blamed for a serious crash on Hveradalabrekka, a slope on the Hellisheiði mountain pass, mbl.is reports. One person was taken to Landspítali hospital with serious injuries after the crash last night.

Accidents have occurred frequently on the slope over the years. Þorsteinn M. Kristinsson, chief inspector with the South Iceland police, said they were more common before wires were installed between lanes several years ago.

“Hellisheiði was notorious in the past. Since the guardrails and wires were put in place, serious accidents have decreased, although there was a serious crash yesterday,” he said. He added that road services on Hellisheiði were better than in most other parts of the country.

Minor accidents still happen often on Hveradalabrekka, but injuries have declined since the barriers were installed, Þorsteinn said. Drivers hit the wires both in the Kambar section and elsewhere on Hellisheiði, he said, adding that the damage shows they are doing their job. Without them, vehicles could cross into the opposite lane.