Large Operation Near Vienna: ICE Stopped in Tunnel

A major operation by emergency services occurred on Saturday just outside Vienna. As confirmed by Klaus Baumgartner, a spokesperson for ÖBB, to the APA, an ICE train of Deutsche Bahn stopped at 1:30 PM due to a technical fault after the Wien-Meidling station in the Hadersdorf railway tunnel. Since towing was not technically possible, it was initially decided to transfer the approximately 400 passengers to a replacement train in the tunnel.

ICE stopped before Vienna: Evacuation measures completed

Due to some passengers not following ÖBB's instructions, the late hour, and to avoid further delays, this plan was abandoned later in the evening. "Currently, in close coordination with ÖBB, we are bringing people to the surface through emergency exits," a spokesperson for the Vienna Fire Department informed the APA after 7:00 PM. The evacuation measures were completed shortly before 8:00 PM.

The evacuees were transported back into the city area from Hadersdorf by buses of the Wiener Linien. Some arranged their own transportation. They were informed by ÖBB and Wiener Linien about their further travel options.

The fire department supported ÖBB with a total of 20 vehicles and 80 personnel. The Vienna Professional Rescue Service was involved in the operation with a mobile command center, a mobile evacuation bus, eight rescue vehicles, and 20 rescue personnel. Two passengers required outpatient care, but no serious injuries were reported. "No hospitalizations were necessary," a spokesperson for the Professional Rescue Service informed the APA.

Train service between Wien-Meidling and Tullnerfeld suspended

As ÖBB spokesperson Baumgartner explained, the affected passengers were initially brought out of the train, which had come to a halt without power, in coordination with and with the support of the emergency services, and were redirected to a replacement train that had been provided. However, a few individuals - according to the spokesperson "a handful" - left this replacement train against explicit instructions, moved away from the train carriages, and disappeared into the tunnel. For safety reasons, this necessitated another emergency shutdown of the power.

"The tunnel now needs to be searched for people," Baumgartner explained. Inspections would take place from both sides. Until it is ensured that no one is in the tunnel, the route cannot be reopened. Train traffic between Vienna-Meidling and Tullnerfeld was halted shortly after 6:30 PM. When service might resume was unforeseeable. It could "take hours," Baumgartner said after 8:00 PM.

In long-distance traffic, which is temporarily being rerouted via Rekawinkel due to the emergency measures, corresponding delays or disruptions are to be expected. Some train cancellations are also anticipated. ÖBB appealed to customers to stay informed online or through loudspeaker announcements and monitor displays on the platform.

ICE Departed On Schedule From Vienna Central Station

The ICE 90 "Donauwalzer" departed on schedule at 1:13 PM from the central station towards Hamburg. A few minutes after stopping at the Vienna-Meidling station, it came to a halt in the tunnel. According to media reports, it was reportedly pitch dark in parts of the defective train, and the failure of the air conditioning system presented a quite stressful situation for some passengers who were stuck for hours with the doors closed.

(APA/Red)

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