An airman is in custody at Spangdahlem Air Base after driving the wrong way on autobahn A60, which resulted in a head-on collision early on May 3, 2025. One person was killed and three injured, including the airman, according to the Air Force and German police. (Jochen Tack/Mettman Police)

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany — A U.S. airman who drove the wrong way on the autobahn near Spangdahlem Air Base collided with another car, killing its driver and seriously wounding two passengers, the Air Force and German police said Monday.

The airman, who was not named, received minor injuries and is being held at Spangdahlem, the 52nd Fighter Wing said.

“The loss of life and serious injuries from this collision are heartbreaking,” Col. Kevin Crofton, 52nd Fighter Wing commander, said in a statement Monday. “Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to the family and loved ones of the deceased, as well as to those injured in this tragedy.”

The Trier police department said Saturday that the two people injured were riding in the car of the woman killed, and that the male driver was the lone occupant of the wrong-way vehicle.

The crash occurred shortly after 2:55 a.m., when German police received several calls about a wrong-way driver on A60 between the Badem and Spangdahlem junctions, according to statements from the Trier and Wittlich police departments.

The car was seen traveling southeast towards Wittlich on the opposite side of the divided autobahn, in the direction of Belgium, police said.

Police were called immediately from several local stations and an advisory was issued over the radio; shortly thereafter, there was a report of a head-on collision, police said.

Ambulances took everyone involved in the crash to local hospitals and the A60 was closed for several hours from the Landscheid junction in the direction of Belgium.

Both vehicles were totaled and have been impounded as part of the investigation, according to Trier police.

The Trier public prosecutor’s office ordered an expert reconstruction of the accident, Trier police said. The Air Force is supporting the ongoing investigation, the 52nd Fighter Wing said.