A serious traffic accident occurred on the E134 highway near Vestfossen in Øvre Eiker municipality. The incident happened between Drammen and Kongsberg in southeastern Norway. A vehicle equipped with summer tires lost control, left the roadway, and struck a tree directly.
Police operations leader Marius Daffinrud Fosvold confirmed the details in an official statement. He noted the driver experienced a sudden skid before leaving the road surface. Three people occupied the vehicle at the time of the crash. All required immediate medical attention from ambulance crews at the scene.
In the aftermath of the initial collision, two additional vehicles also left the roadway. One driver managed to return to the road independently. The other vehicle required professional recovery services. Authorities closed the eastbound lanes of E134 at Vestfossen during the recovery operation. Traffic management officials directed motorists to use alternative routes via Darbu. Road crews also applied salt to improve traction on the winter road surface.
The timing of this accident highlights a recurring seasonal safety issue across Norway. Police emphasized this incident occurred during a period when winter tires provide essential safety benefits. Norwegian law requires winter tires on certain roads during winter months, but many drivers delay the seasonal changeover. This creates dangerous conditions when sudden weather changes occur.
Norwegian winter driving regulations specify that vehicles must use winter tires from November 1 to the first Monday after Easter Sunday on designated winter roads. Many insurance policies also contain specific requirements about proper seasonal tires. Failure to use appropriate tires can affect insurance coverage in accident situations.
Police have initiated a formal investigation into the crash. They will examine all contributing factors, including tire condition, road surface quality, and driver behavior. The investigation results will determine whether any charges will be filed.
This incident serves as a critical reminder for all Nordic drivers about seasonal tire safety. The transition between seasons creates particularly hazardous driving conditions. Proper tire selection remains one of the most effective safety measures drivers can take during Norway's challenging winter months. Road authorities expect the highway to reopen to traffic shortly once cleanup operations conclude.