New details about the drama

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Following the tragic accident involving a fire engine in Lower Austria, it has now emerged that the fatality was at the wheel. The man was only 28 years old.(Bild: DOKU-NÖ)

Following the tragic accident on Friday in Neustift-Innermanzing (St. Pölten district), in which a fire engine overturned, more details about the accident are now known. According to the police, the 28-year-old driver probably lost control of the vehicle on a long left-hand bend. The man was thrown from the vehicle and succumbed to his fatal injuries.

The fire engine - a rescue vehicle specially equipped for forest fires - had been in action at around 5 pm. It had probably been called out to a traffic accident. On the L119, the vehicle veered into the oncoming lane on a bend. As a result, it crashed onto its side, presumably due to a deflection movement by the 28-year-old, and ended up in the ditch.

Rescue measures initiated immediately
The man at the wheel and a 17-year-old passenger were thrown out of the HLF 2 and trapped under the emergency vehicle. Members of the fire department following behind immediately initiated rescue measures.

17-year-old helper seriously injured in accident
The 17-year-old was seriously injured in the crash. An emergency helicopter flew the teenager to St. Pölten University Hospital. The four other members of the fire department, who were also in the HLF 2, suffered injuries and were treated on the spot. The L119 was closed in the area of the accident until 9.30 pm and a detour was set up.

The badly damaged vehicle was transported away on a low-loader. After the fatal accident during an emergency drive, a wave of sympathy spread among the helpers in the state on Friday evening and Saturday. Numerous fire departments expressed their sympathy to the relatives and friends of the deceased online, and the injured were wished a speedy recovery everywhere.

Crisis intervention team there for helpers
A crisis intervention team was on site after the accident. If necessary, it will continue to be available to the helpers in the coming days, emphasized Klaus Stebal from the Lower Austrian Fire Brigade Command.