A car was struck by a boulder the size of a washing machine inside the Jernfjelltunnelen on European route E39 in Gulen and Masfjorden, Norway, on Sunday, prompting the tunnel’s closure and injuring two occupants.
The incident occurred around 500 meters into the tunnel from the Knarvik side at approximately 15:30, according to Knut Dahl-Michelsen, operations leader for Vest police district. The boulder, described as a slab or block, fell from the tunnel ceiling and struck the car’s roof, splitting on impact. The vehicle, a passenger car, sustained severe damage and was later removed by a tow truck at 16:47 .
Two German tourists, a man and a woman in their 20s, and a dog were inside the car. Initially reported as unharmed, the pair were later taken to a medical clinic in Knarvik after complaining of upper-body pain, likely from seatbelts, and one person had glass fragments in their throat, Dahl-Michelsen said. He added that the occupants were “very lucky,” noting that had the boulder struck the windshield directly, the outcome could have been fatal .
The tunnel was evacuated, and authorities have not confirmed when it will reopen. Lise Kristoffersen of the road traffic center said detours are available via Solheimslia and County Road 571 for passenger cars, though not for trailer trucks. She advised drivers to consider alternative routes, including the ferry between Duesund and Masfjordnes .
By 17:40, the tunnel remained closed as authorities awaited a safety assessment from a contractor. Police and fire services concluded their on-site work by 17:45, though Dahl-Michelsen noted some traffic challenges persisted as emergency crews departed .
Jostein Steinsland-Hauge, a fire service watch commander, described the near-miss as “very close,” according to a report in VG . The Jernfjelltunnelen connects Gulen and Masfjorden municipalities in Vestland county.
Follow us for live European news