Passengers Rescued from Stranded Train as Storm Causes Flooding in lower Austria
KLSTERNEUBURG,LOWER AUSTRIA – Approximately 200 passengers were evacuated from a Franz-Josefs-Bahn train Saturday evening after severe weather damaged overhead lines,leaving the train stranded between Klosterneuburg-Kierling and Unterkritzendorf.Two individuals required medical attention and were rescued using a telescopic mast stage. The incident occurred amidst widespread flooding and storm damage reported across the Tulln district.
The disruption to rail service and the passenger evacuation highlight the vulnerability of infrastructure to extreme weather events, a growing concern as climate change increases the frequency and intensity of storms. The affected train line remains temporarily suspended while repairs are underway, impacting commuters and regional travel. authorities are assessing the full extent of the damage and working to restore service as quickly as possible.
According to the district fire brigade command Tulln, the train came to a halt due to a damaged overhead line. Following the stoppage, the overhead line was grounded, and passengers were safely escorted from the train to the Unterkritzendorf station, where replacement transport was arranged. The Red Cross provided care for the two passengers who were rescued via the telescopic mast stage.
Elsewhere in the Tulln district, the town of St.Andrä-Wördern experienced notable flooding and debris flows. The fire brigade described the situation as a “real flood of falls,” with stones, mud, wood, and branches washing onto roadways.Crews worked through the night to clear blocked drainage channels and remove water and mud from approximately 40 affected households, including basements and building entrances. The area had experienced major flooding a year prior, and slopes still undergoing renovation were particularly susceptible to the recent rainfall.
