In a series of events which sound suspiciously like something from my pre-lunch daydreams, a motorway in Poland has been coated in liquid chocolate after a lorry overturned.
The driver of the truck suffered a broken arm and was taken to hospital after hitting railings at the side of the road. Thankfully, nobody else was hurt during the incident which took place in the west Poland town of Slupca.
However, the fire brigade is now facing frustrating difficulties with 24 tonnes worth of chocolate solidifying on the road as it cools. The sweet treat has slathered six A2 motorway lanes, disrupting the flow of traffic in both directions.
Large quantities of hot water are now required to blast away the pesky chocolate, which has been described as ‘worse than snow’ by senior brigadier and fire brigade commander Bogdan Kowalski.
According to broadcaster TVN24, the incident happened in the morning when there was less traffic on the road.
There are now reportedly enormous traffic jams, which I am sure is a complete pain in the backside. However, I am sure the sweet scent of chocolate wafting over the smell of petrol is easing the inconvenience somewhat.
TVN24 contacted the confectionary manufacturer in question to enquire about the best methods to scrub a vast lake of chocolate from asphalt.
I imagine this is a dilemma the producer does not have to face on a day to day basis. However, they were apparently able to suggest the use of pressurised hot water washers.
Kowalski told this TVN24 how this sticky situation will take some time to address:
It will take several hours.
Once it hardens, chocolate’s worse than snow.
The gruelling cleaning process reportedly began with shovels, before progressing to the use of a mechanical shovel.
People have had a mix of emotions to this creamy catastrophe. Some people are delighted, while others have understandably agonised over the waste of perfectly good chocolate.
One person gasped:
I’ve heard. whispa a truck full of chocolate has over turned on a motorway in Poland I hope it’s true or is someone playing a twix on me?
Another said:
A lorry has spilt a ton of liquid chocolate on a motorway in Poland… get me on a plane .. quick!
However, one person gloomily noted:
24 tonnes of liquid chocolate on a motorway. What a waste.
It’s not yet understood why exactly the truck was transporting such a gigantic supply of chocolate – although no judgement here friend – or indeed what type of chocolate this was.
Now, in my late-afternoon-snack-pondering imagination this is pure Galaxy or maybe even a vat of liquidised Lindt Lindors. But I am happy to hear other suggestions.
Lads at the Slupca fire brigade: if me and my fondue set can be of any assistance whatsoever then please do let me know.
Maybe try chucking some salted caramel into the mix. I hear this is is a foolproof method for clearing up chocolate.
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Jules studied English Literature with Creative Writing at Lancaster University before earning her masters in International Relations at Leiden University in The Netherlands (Hoi!). She then trained as a journalist through News Associates in Manchester. Jules has previously worked as a mental health blogger, copywriter and freelancer for various publications.