At Vienna Westbahnhof

30-year-old in mortal danger after attack

A dangerous attack took place at Vienna's Westbahnhof station on Monday night. A man (30) was critically injured in the head. The suspect fled a short time later.

When the emergency services arrived at around 4.30 a.m., the 30-year-old Somali man was found lying on the ground and breathing heavily at Europaplatz, reported the provincial police headquarters. After resuscitation, the man was taken to hospital with suspected serious internal head injuries. He is currently in a critical condition.

Suspect fled the scene
According to the police, the 30-year-old had previously met up with a friend. A man then allegedly attacked him and punched him several times in the face. The suspect, who was unknown at the time, fled in the direction of Mariahilfer Straße. Initial searches were unsuccessful.

Walking through Westbahnhof with a "weapon"
One day after the escape, however, the officers managed to stop a 40-year-old suspect after passers-by had observed him allegedly walking around with a firearm. A subsequent identity check revealed that this was the man who had allegedly fatally injured the 30-year-old.

The alleged firearm later turned out to be a toy weapon. The suspect was taken to a prison and is currently refusing to make a statement. The background to the attack is still completely unclear.