The Howald tunnel was closed to traffic on Wednesday morning following an accident involving two cars inside the tunnel, according to the national traffic control centre. The accident occurred shortly before 9.40am, resulting in both lanes being blocked towards Kirchberg and Trier.

By 10.10am, traffic congestion had built up for several kilometres in and around the Gasperich interchange, severely disrupting the morning commute for motorists using the A1 and A3.

Emergency services confirmed that one person was injured in the accident. There were no immediate details about the severity of the injuries.

The roads have since been cleared and traffic is flowing once again.