Traumatic footage

After resuscitation: “Surfer” still in mortal danger

The seconds before the fatal collision. The "Krone" has video footage of the life-threatening incident - we are publishing a screenshot as a warning.(Bild: zVg, Krone KREATIV)

On Tuesday afternoon, so-called subway surfers crashed into a pedestrian bridge in Vienna's Schönbrunn U4 station while riding illegally on the roof. An 18-year-old is in mortal danger after the tragic accident. Another "surfer" is also in a "critical condition". Shocking: apparently the young people risked their lives for a video on the internet ...

According to Wiener Linien, the quartet's risky journey began shortly after 4 p.m. on Tuesday when the teenagers climbed onto the roof of the U4 subway line from the direction of Hütteldorf and rode along.

The seconds before the fatal collision. Video footage of the life-threatening action is available to the "Krone" - we are publishing a screenshot as a warning.(Bild: zVg, Krone KREATIV)

Severity of the impact led to resuscitation
The daredevil action ended tragically: two boys from the Czech Republic, aged 17 and 18, crashed head on into the pedestrian bridge at the entrance to Schönbrunn station. At around 50 km/h. 

First aid after the accident - documented by a reader reporter. The exact course of the accident is now to be analyzed together with the police using video analysis.(Bild: Leserreporter, Krone KREATIV)

According to Vienna Rescue, the force of the impact was so severe that resuscitation had to be carried out. Doctors in two Viennese hospitals have been fighting for the lives of the two since Tuesday afternoon. One thing is clear: they ruined it - apparently just so they could brag on social media with a video of what they did.

The 18-year-old "surfer" is still in mortal danger on Wednesday, while the 17-year-old victim was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries. He is also in a "critical condition", as the Meidling Accident Hospital announced on Wednesday.

Every case is one too many and will be reported to the police.

Wiener Linien

Psychological support for the subway train driver
A 16-year-old and a 13-year-old from Austria were also involved. The 16-year-old "surfer" escaped with minor injuries, the youngest apparently remained unharmed. The subway driver received crisis psychology treatment. Service on the U4 was then temporarily interrupted between Meidling Hauptstraße and Braunschweiggasse.

Warning about "surfer" actions 
The exact circumstances of the accident will now be analyzed together with the police using video analysis, according to Wiener Linien.

In this context, Wiener Linien also points out that such actions and tests of courage are always associated with danger to life: "We urge you to refrain from such reckless and life-threatening actions. No TikTok video, test of courage or selfie in the world is worth climbing onto a subway or streetcar and risking your life. Anyone who notices a dangerous situation should immediately activate the emergency call devices in the vehicles or on the platform."

Wiener Linien focuses on prevention 
In order to avoid such actions, Wiener Linien focuses on prevention and education in this context. For years, workshops have been held in schools in cooperation with the Education Directorate and the police. Children and young people are made aware of the issue of safety and correct behavior in and around public transport through lectures and subway tours.