BERLIN, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- A series of accidents caused by icy road conditions on a major motorway in western Germany left three people dead and more than 10 others injured early Friday, police said.
In one accident near the city of Paderborn, a lorry collided with an articulated truck carrying paper, causing the trailer to catch fire. The lorry driver could not be freed from the cab and died at the scene. The articulated truck driver was taken to the hospital.
Two other people were killed in another crash, police said. Several additional accidents were reported in both directions, and the motorway was closed as emergency crews responded.
The German Weather Service issued widespread warnings for dangerous ice and freezing temperatures on Friday, with some regions put on the second-highest severe weather alert. Schools were closed in several districts, and authorities urged people to avoid travel and outdoor activities where possible. ■