E6 closed indefinitely: Chaos after bus fire in the Raudhammar Tunnel
Ever been stuck in traffic and thought, "well, it can't get any worse"? For those travelling along the E6 in Sørfold today, it did. Much worse. A bus fire inside the Raudhammar Tunnel has brought this main artery to a complete standstill. And when I say standstill, I mean an indefinite closure.
A night that turned travel plans upside down
It started like any other evening, but as the night wore on, emergency services reported a full-blaze inside the tunnel. Fortunately, everyone managed to get out, and there are no reports of serious injuries. That’s the one silver lining in this chaos. But here’s the real challenge: the Raudhammar Tunnel sits right in the heart of the E6, and when it’s closed, Norway is literally split in two.
We’re not just talking about a few hours of delay here. We’re talking about people who were planning to cross the county border now having to make completely different choices. Several travellers have already had to turn back in the dead of night, with no idea if they’ll even reach their destination today.
The 17-hour detour
Let me break it down for you. This isn’t a little shortcut to grab a snack at the local petrol station. This is a massive detour. For some, it means driving through Sweden. For others, like the transport industry, the math is brutal.
- Normal route: Just a few minutes through the tunnel.
- Current detour: Several hundred extra kilometres.
- Time loss: Rumours are already swirling about professional drivers who have been navigating the roads for over 180 kilometres just to find a way through, and now they’re facing an alternate route that for some will mean up to an extra 17 hours on the road.
Yes, you read that right. 17 hours. That’s nearly an entire extra day in the car. This isn’t just a logistical hiccup; it’s a nightmare for anyone relying on goods deliveries, and not least for families heading out on holiday or trying to get home to their loved ones.
Who was behind the wheel?
In situations like this, rumours start to fly. Word has it that people are already speculating about who was driving that bus. Was it a scheduled service? A tourist coach? The fact is, emergency services are working flat out to get the cause of the fire under control and identify everyone involved. Right now, the focus is on clearing the scene, but I know many are at home wondering: was it someone I know? It’s a small world in Northern Norway, and when something this dramatic happens right in the middle of our shared infrastructure, it touches us all.
What should you do now?
If you’re planning to hit the road today, you’ll need to keep your cool. Always check the traffic updates before you drive, but be prepared—there’s no simple shortcut here. The Raudhammar Tunnel won’t be opening anytime soon. The fire department needs to secure the tunnel, and the road will need to be inspected for damage.
I’ve seen plenty of tunnel closures over the years, but when a major incident happens right on the E6 in Sørfold, it really drives home how vulnerable this stretch of asphalt is. Pack extra food, water, and patience in the car. It’s going to be a long day for many, and I’m sure we’ll hear more stories from people who had to spend the night at rest stops.
Light at the end of the tunnel?
It’s easy to feel frustrated when the main road is closed. But remember, the crews working inside right now are doing a demanding job under dangerous conditions. For now, we don’t know much about when traffic will be allowed through again. I’m keeping a close eye on updates from the rescue services, and as soon as there’s confirmation that the road is safe, I promise to let you know.
Until then: drive safe, take the detour in good spirits, and consider stopping by the local petrol stations along the diversion routes—they could probably use a bit of good news today.