A woman died on Sunday evening following a traffic incident on the A6 motorway near Münsingen. Police reports indicate the woman was struck by a vehicle after she reportedly fell from a bridge onto the motorway. The incident led to a significant closure of the A6 in the direction of Thun for several hours.
Key Takeaways
- A woman died after being hit by a car on the A6 motorway near Münsingen.
- Authorities believe she fell from a bridge onto the road before the collision.
- The A6 towards Thun was closed for approximately 5.5 hours for investigation.
- Canton Police Bern has launched an investigation and is seeking witnesses.
Incident Details Near Münsingen Rest Stop
The Canton Police Bern received an emergency call shortly after 5:30 PM on Sunday, October 12, 2025. The report detailed a collision involving a woman and a car on the A6 motorway, specifically near the rest stop at Münsingen. A police patrol already present at the nearby rest stop immediately responded to the scene.
Upon arrival, emergency services confirmed the woman's death. Officials have gathered initial clues regarding her identity, but a formal identification process is still pending. The exact circumstances leading to the fall and subsequent collision are currently under investigation by law enforcement.
Incident Timeline
- Time of Report: Shortly after 5:30 PM, Sunday, October 12, 2025
- Location: A6 motorway near Münsingen rest stop
- Road Closure: A6 in direction of Thun, from Rubigen entrance to Kiesen exit
- Closure Duration: Approximately 5.5 hours, until 11:00 PM
Alleged Fall From Bridge Precedes Collision
Initial statements collected by investigators suggest that the woman likely fell from a bridge located above the motorway just moments before she was hit by the car. The vehicle involved was traveling in the direction of Thun when the incident occurred. Police are examining all available evidence to confirm the sequence of events and the precise cause of the fall.
The investigation is complex due to the nature of the incident, involving both a fall from height and a subsequent traffic collision. Authorities are working to reconstruct the scene accurately. This includes forensic analysis and reviewing any potential surveillance footage from the area.
"Statements indicate the woman likely fell from the bridge before the collision," a spokesperson for the Canton Police Bern stated, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the investigation.
Emergency Response and Road Closures
The emergency response involved multiple units from the Canton Police Bern, including specialized services. An ambulance team was also dispatched to the location, alongside personnel from the motorway maintenance department. Their combined efforts focused on securing the scene, providing immediate assistance, and managing traffic.
To facilitate the investigation and ensure the safety of emergency workers, the A6 motorway in the direction of Thun was completely closed. The closure extended from the Rubigen motorway entrance to the Kiesen motorway exit. This section of the highway remained inaccessible to traffic until approximately 11:00 PM on Sunday evening.
Motorway Safety Measures
Motorways like the A6 are designed with various safety features, including barriers and fencing on bridges, to prevent unauthorized access and accidental falls. Incidents involving individuals on motorways from bridges are rare but highlight critical safety considerations for public infrastructure and pedestrian access points.
Ongoing Investigation and Witness Appeal
The Canton Police Bern has officially opened an investigation into the incident. This inquiry is being conducted under the leadership of the regional public prosecutor's office Bern-Mittelland. The primary goal is to clarify all aspects of the tragic event.
As part of their efforts, law enforcement officials are actively seeking witnesses. Anyone who was in the vicinity of the A6 motorway near the Münsingen rest stop on Sunday, October 12, 2025, shortly after 5:30 PM, and observed anything relevant to the incident, is urged to contact the Canton Police Bern. Witness accounts can provide crucial information to help investigators understand how the events unfolded.
The police emphasize that even seemingly minor observations could be important. Public cooperation is vital in resolving such cases and ensuring justice. The investigation will continue until all facts are established and the circumstances surrounding the woman's death are fully understood.
- Investigation Lead: Regional Public Prosecutor's Office Bern-Mittelland
- Seeking: Witnesses to the incident
- Contact: Canton Police Bern
Impact on Local Traffic
The closure of a major motorway like the A6 had a notable impact on local traffic. Drivers traveling towards Thun experienced significant delays and were diverted onto alternative routes. Police and traffic management teams worked to minimize disruption, but the extended closure was necessary for the thorough processing of the accident scene.
Local residents and commuters were advised to check traffic updates and plan their journeys accordingly during the closure period. The rapid deployment of emergency services helped to manage the immediate aftermath, but the investigation phase required sustained road closure.