Major fire department operation

Traffic chaos after acid leak on the A4

Fire department operation in protective suits for hours(Bild: APA/STADT WIEN)

On Tuesday, a large-scale operation by Vienna's professional fire department caused massive traffic disruption on the A4 near the Erdberg Bridge. The reason: sulphuric acid had leaked from a tanker.

The fire department was on the scene with 14 vehicles and numerous personnel in protective suits and pumped out the liquid after initial safety measures. The work and the closure of the A4 in the area lasted for hours. Massive traffic obstructions - including on alternative routes on the A23 and Handelskai - were the result. There were also disruptions to evening traffic.

Leak provisionally sealed, truck transported away
"We have collected the acid with a tank and are currently pumping out the liquid," said a fire department spokesperson. In the meantime, the leak has been provisionally sealed, according to an inquiry at around 4.20 pm. The truck was then removed. In addition to the fire department, the police and the Vienna Waterways Inspectorate were also deployed. The specific reason for the damage to the truck's tank or container and the subsequent acid leak is still unclear.