The German-Swiss border crossing at Rheinfelden was closed for several hours on Wednesday after explosives detection dogs reacted to a car with German license plates during a routine check, prompting a major security operation.
A designated danger zone was evacuated, and special units from the Federal Police were deployed. The two occupants, both German nationals, were taken into custody. By evening, authorities confirmed no hazardous substances were found, and the A861 motorway—linking Germany’s A98 with Switzerland’s A3—was reopened, according to a police spokesman .
The closure caused traffic jams stretching for kilometers on both sides of the border, with the route typically used by around 30,000 vehicles daily, the German automobile club ADAC reported . Swiss customs confirmed the crossing was shut due to an ongoing operation on the German side but provided no further details .
Media reports suggested the detained men were father and son and had been the subject of a manhunt, but police did not confirm these claims . The crossing, located on the Rheinfelden Bridge, was fully reopened by 8 p.m. .
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