According to police reports, the 28-year-old driver probably lost control of the vehicle in a long left-hand bend. The man from the St. Pölten district was thrown from the vehicle and died from his fatal injuries. The five other occupants, aged 17 to 48, all suffered injuries.
The fire engine – a relief vehicle 2 (HLF 2) specially equipped for forest fires – was in action at around 5 p.m. There was probably a traffic accident. On the L119, the vehicle ended up in the opposite lane in a curve. As a result, it probably fell onto its side due to the 28-year-old’s deflection and landed in the ditch.
Thrown from the vehicle
The man behind the wheel and a 17-year-old passenger were thrown out of the HLF 2 and trapped under the emergency vehicle. Responding fire brigade members immediately initiated rescue measures.
The 17-year-old was seriously injured in the crash. The Martin 5″ emergency doctor helicopter flew the young person to the St. Pölten University Hospital. The four other fire department members who were also in the HLF 2 suffered injuries and were treated on the spot. The L119 was in the area of the accident site until 9:30 p.m closed, a diversion has been set up.
Wave of sympathy
After the fatal accident during an emergency trip, there was a wave of sympathy among the helpers in the state on Friday evening and Saturday. Numerous fire departments expressed their condolences online to the relatives and friends of the deceased, and the injured were wished a speedy recovery everywhere.
“We stand together in this difficult time and will do everything in our power to support the affected members and their families,” the Lower Austria regional association also announced on its homepage.
A crisis intervention team was on site after the accident. If necessary, it will continue to be available to helpers in the coming days, emphasized Klaus Stebal from the Lower Austria State Fire Brigade Command.
