A massive mud spill created chaotic scenes on Norway's E18 highway near Høvik on Friday evening. The incident left multiple vehicles trapped in what drivers described as a 'sea of mud' reaching 20-30 centimeters deep.
Erling Kristiansen spent ninety minutes cleaning his wheels after the ordeal. 'I had to use brushes of different sizes to get between the spokes,' he said. 'The mud stuck so firmly it required various cleaning agents and degreasers.'
Kristin Nornes-Moen's vehicle required multiple cleaning attempts. 'The car isn't clean even after going through the car wash,' she noted a day later. 'It got inside the car too when I handled the washing equipment.' She estimates the cleanup will cost over 1,000 Norwegian kroner (approximately $95).
Road authorities confirmed the incident resulted from construction work on the new E18 route between Strand and Ramstadsletta. Project manager Anne-Lise Gillebo explained that a leak developed in a return pipe used for ground stabilization work.
'The pipe was positioned between a sheet pile wall and a noise barrier in an area closed to public access for safety reasons,' Gillebo stated. 'The leak likely developed gradually before spreading onto the active highway.'
Officials encourage affected drivers to contact their insurance companies regarding vehicle damage claims. The incident highlights how infrastructure projects can create unexpected hazards for commuters, even with safety protocols in place.
The E18 serves as a major transportation artery connecting Oslo with surrounding municipalities. Construction continues on upgrades to accommodate growing traffic volumes in the busy Bærum region.