Truck & Car Collision on E45 in Finnmark – Driver Airlifted

Collision on E45 in Northern Norway Prompts Emergency Response

A serious traffic accident involving a passenger vehicle and a truck-trailer unit has closed a key section of the E45 highway in northern Norway, disrupting traffic and prompting a significant emergency response. The incident occurred between Mieron and Kautokeino in Finnmark county.

Police received reports of the front-end collision around midday on Monday, February 9, 2026. According to police, two individuals were involved in the crash. Emergency services, including a rescue helicopter from the Northern Norway rescue center, were dispatched to the scene following a request from the emergency medical coordination center in Tromsø.

Firefighters worked to extricate the driver of the passenger vehicle, who was then transferred to the care of medical personnel. Authorities described the accident as “serious,” with the passenger vehicle sustaining significant damage and being rendered undrivable. The driver of the truck was physically unharmed.

The E45 was temporarily closed in both directions, and authorities initially estimated the road would remain shut for several hours while crews worked to clear the wreckage and investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision. As of 4:34 PM local time on February 9, 2026, police reported that the passenger vehicle had been removed from the roadway and the E45 had reopened to traffic in both directions.

The deployment of the SAR Queen search and rescue helicopter highlights the challenges of providing rapid medical assistance in the remote and sparsely populated region of Finnmark. The E45 in this area traverses open tundra with long distances between settlements and limited alternative routes. A road closure can significantly impact travelers and freight transport.

Police have initiated an on-site investigation to determine the cause of the accident. Operasjonsleder Arnt Gunnar Øvergaard stated, “This proves always serious when trucks and passenger cars collide. It has enormous damage potential.” Authorities are currently working to clear the scene and manage traffic flow.

A separate incident on the E45 highway near Åmål, Sweden, occurred on September 30, 2025, involving a head-on collision between a truck and a passenger vehicle. One individual was airlifted to a hospital with serious injuries. Authorities are investigating the circumstances of that accident, evaluating factors such as speed, vehicle maintenance, and driver behavior.

The E45 is a vital transport artery connecting southern Norway to the Finnmark plateau, and its closure underscores the importance of road safety and adherence to traffic regulations, particularly on busy highways. Authorities encourage all drivers to remain vigilant and prioritize safety to prevent future accidents.