The longest traffic jam in the world stretched over 100 kms; what happened to commuters who were trapped for 12 days?

Can you imagine being stuck in traffic for 12 days? The longest traffic jam in the world stretched over 100 kms and lasted for 12 days. It happened in China in 2010. Read all about this worst traffic jam and other record breaking traffic jams in human history.

The longest traffic jam in the world occurred in Beijing, China, on the Beijing-Tibet Expressway (China National Highway 110) on August 14, 2010. The jam was so severe that it stretched over 100 kms and lasted for 12 days, making it the the longest traffic jam in the world.

According to Guinness World Records, the longest traffic jam by distance however, was that which stretched 176 km (109 miles) northwards from Lyon towards Paris, France on 16 February 1980. Another record breaking traffic jam of 18 million cars crawling bumper-to-bumper was reported on the East-West German border on 12 April 1990.

Worldwide, the traffic jam in China is considered to be the longest because though it stretched over 100 kms (less than some other recorded traffic jams) but it lasted for the longest duration.

Cause of the Traffic Jam

A large number of trucks were transporting coal and construction material from Mongolia to Beijing. As the expressway was still under construction, only one lane was opened to traffic and the unusually high volume of large trucks carrying construction material caused this traffic jam.

Commuters were stuck in their cars for 12 days as they could not move anywhere. They could also not abandon their cars on the highway as this would have only worsened the traffic jam further. The vehicles were moving at a speed of 1 km per day. They had to eat, drink and sleep in their cars during the entire duration of the jam.

Temporary Shops Set Up on the Highway

Since all the people stuck in the jam needed food, water and other essentials, many temporary shops came up by the side of the highway, selling stuff to the people stuck in the jam. The prices of essential commodities in these shops, however were going through the roof with water bottles selling at 10 times the original cost.

Efforts to Clear the Jam

The administration took 12 days to clear the jam. They had to block all side lanes to prevent more vehicles entering the highway and prioritized movement for the stuck trucks so that passage could be made for other vehicles.

The historic traffic jam finally ended on August 26, 2010 after rigorous efforts by the authorities. For those who were stuck in this jam, it was nothing short of an ordeal and they will remember this nightmare for the rest of their lives.

Lessons From the Jam

Such type of traffic jams have a very high probability of occurring in any rapidly developing country due to monumental infrastructure projects going on everywhere. Excessive movement of construction machinery and trucks carrying construction material could bring any highway to a standstill within no time.

India with its rapidly growing economy and the pace at which infrastructure projects are going on in the country can also cause similar traffic jams in the future.

Stay Prepared

With the possibility of these monstrous traffic jams not so far fetched, it is advisable to be prepared for this eventuality while undertaking highway journeys. Stocking enough water, dry snacks, essential medicines and baby food (if traveling with infants) are the basics that you might need in case of such emergencies.

Also remember to tank up fuel before hitting a highway as you don’t want to run out of fuel while being stuck in a jam because that will deprive you of air-conditioning and entertainment besides other things, such as having to arrange to tow your vehicle amidst all the mess.

God forbid anyone should ever have to endure such a situation.