Investigation underway after fatal German autobahn explosion

Police in Germany have begun an investigation into a multiple pile up on the A2 autobahn, which caused a fire and explosion, reported dpa.

At least two truck drivers died in the incident, and a third - a 54 year old man - suffered minor injuries in Tuesday's accident.

There was danger of further explosions on Wednesday morning, following the multi-vehicle crash that occurred at around noon in the eastern German state of Saxony-Anhalt.

The police say their initial investigation suggests a hazardous goods transporter drove into the end of a traffic jam near a stretch of roadworks, pushing three other trucks into each other, resulting in a fire.

A fifth truck driver then drove his vehicle into the pile-up. This truck was loaded with high-pressure containers filled with nitrous oxide, which exploded when the flames reached them.

There was still thought to be a risk of further explosions on Wednesday morning.

Toxic substances were released, and a perimeter of 650 metres around the accident site had to be set up. This made it more difficult for the rescue services to assist at the scene.

The bodies of two of the truck drivers have been recovered from the scene by firefighters but have not yet been identified.

The police say more dead bodies are likely to be found as the recovery operation continues.