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Map of Bezirk St. Pölten-Land
30 Apr 2024

Austrian firefighter dead when fire engine rolled in accident

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During emergency response driving with a fire brigade vehicle near Neustift-Innermanzing, Austria, one firefighter died  and several were injured on April 26.

On Friday, April 26, 2024, a tragic incident occurred near Neustift-Innermanzing in the district of St. Pölten-Land in the late afternoon, resulting in the loss of life of a firefighter, as reported by Fireworld.at, who also publishes several photos from the incident scene. 

The fire brigade was called to a traffic accident with people trapped, needing to be extricated. On the way to the scene, for reasons yet unknown, an accident occurred, causing the fire brigade vehicle to crash and overturn. Several firefighters were injured in the process.

 

The fire brigade accident triggered a significant response

A substantial number of emergency responders, including personnel from the fire brigade and ambulance service, as well as a helicopter, swiftly arrived at the scene to aid the injured. Among them, several firefighters required medical attention. Sadly, one firefighter lost his life at the accident site.

The cause of the incident remains uncertain and is under investigation by relevant authorities. Preliminary reports indicate that three additional firefighters sustained injuries of unspecified severity. 

According to reports from Lower Austria, the forest fire tanker truck (HLF2) overturned in a curve, resulting in two individuals being ejected from the vehicle and partially buried underneath. 

 

One firefighter airlifted to hospital in critical condition

Despite rescue efforts, one firefighter could not be saved. Another firefighter, critically injured, had to be airlifted to the hospital by a rescue helicopter. Three other occupants of the vehicle suffered minor injuries.

 

Overwhelming wave of sympathy followed the tragic accident

Emergency responders from beyond the state borders expressed condolences online to the relatives and friends of the deceased, while swift recovery wishes were sent to the injured.

According to a police report, a 28-year-old man from the St. Pölten district was driving a fire brigade truck on April 26, 2024, around 5:00 p.m., traveling from Innermanzing towards Laaben through the municipality of Altlengbach. The truck was carrying five other occupants aged 17 to 48. 

It is believed that the driver lost control of the vehicle in a long left curve, causing it to veer onto the oncoming lane and ultimately tip over. During the accident, the 28-year-old and a 17-year-old passenger were ejected from the vehicle and trapped underneath. Prompt rescue efforts were undertaken by subsequent fire brigades. 

Sadly, the 28-year-old sustained fatal injuries, while the 17-year-old suffered severe injuries and was airlifted to St. Pölten University Hospital after receiving medical treatment.

The remaining four occupants sustained injuries of unspecified severity and received on-site treatment. The L 119 road was closed to all traffic in the accident area until 9:30 p.m., with a detour in place.