Fire in Seegrotte Hinterbrühl: Cause is Being Investigated

"A battery was the cause," police spokesman Stefan Loidl said in response to an APA inquiry. The fire department had extinguished the scorched tool batteries and brought them outside in water buckets. An employee was slightly injured. According to the district command, around 110 members from eight fire departments were deployed.

Strong Smoke Development in Fire at Seegrotte Hinterbrühl

A small fire broke out about 400 meters from the main entrance, which, according to the district fire command's announcement, caused strong smoke development. Initial extinguishing attempts were unsuccessful, and the employees went outside and notified the emergency services shortly before 2:30 p.m. At that time, there were no visitors in the show mine. Several breathing protection teams searched for the source of the fire, which was eventually located in a workshop. With thermal imaging cameras, all side tunnels of the level were checked in low visibility and heavy smoke. The underground lake one level below, with boats for tours, was not affected by the fire. Subsequently, the smoke was removed from the tunnels using special equipment.

The former gypsum mine, with a labyrinth of tunnels and passages as well as Europe's largest underground lake, is open to visitors year-round. In the off-season from November to the end of March, it is closed on Mondays.

(APA/Red)

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