How Did 1 Man Die When a Truck Crossed Into Oncoming Traffic on Austria's A12?

Quick answer: A 36-year-old driver died on the A12 Inntalautobahn in Tyrol, Austria, on Tuesday 13 October 2026, after a truck crossed into oncoming traffic in a construction zone near Silz and hit two cars. Two other people were injured.

Key facts

• What: Truck crossed into oncoming traffic in roadworks and hit two cars
• Where: Inntalautobahn A12 near Silz, Tyrol, Austria
• When: Tuesday 13 October 2026, around 17:00
• Toll: 1 person killed, 2 people injured
• Road: A12 fully closed in the area until 20:00

What happened

A 62-year-old truck driver was travelling on the A12 through a construction zone near Silz, where oncoming traffic was in operation. For reasons that are not yet known, the truck crossed onto the oncoming carriageway and collided with the car of a 36-year-old man.

The force of the impact pushed the 36-year-old's car against a noise barrier. The truck then also struck the car travelling behind it, driven by a 38-year-old woman.

Casualties and rescue

The 36-year-old driver was trapped in his car. Firefighters had to cut him free with hydraulic rescue equipment, but he could only be recovered dead. The truck driver and the 38-year-old woman were able to free themselves from their vehicles and were treated by first responders at the scene.

Both injured people were taken to hospital in Innsbruck by Red Cross ambulance crews.

Road closure

The vehicles involved were towed away. The A12 remained fully closed in the accident area until 20:00, around three hours, while the scene was cleared. Traffic was diverted, which led to considerable congestion.

Frequently asked questions

How many people died in the A12 crash near Silz?

One person died: a 36-year-old car driver. Two other people, the truck driver and a 38-year-old woman, were injured.

Where did the A12 crash happen?

On the Inntalautobahn A12 near Silz in Tyrol, Austria, in a construction zone where oncoming traffic was in operation.

What caused the A12 crash near Silz?

The cause is not yet known. According to the Tyrol police, the truck crossed onto the oncoming carriageway for reasons that remain unclear.

How long was the A12 closed after the crash?

The A12 was fully closed in the accident area until 20:00 on 13 October, around three hours, with traffic diverted.