Smoke inhalation

Family barbecue ends with 14 people injured

A family barbecue in the district of Horn in the Waldviertel unfortunately had fatal consequences for several members at the weekend. A total of 14 people aged between five and 82 had to be taken to nearby hospitals with smoke inhalation on Saturday. 

The family had gathered in the parlor of the house in Drosendorf-Zisserdorf at around 2 pm for a big barbecue. The barbecue was cooked on two charcoal grills in the adjoining garage. In order to ensure sufficient air supply, the father of the family had repeatedly opened the door for ventilation, and all the windows were also tilted, the 55-year-old told the police. The door to the garden was also opened regularly. 

Victim admitted to hospital
Suddenly, the 55-year-old's mother complained of nausea. Just seconds later, almost all family members were struggling with dizziness. The father made an emergency call and several ambulances and the emergency helicopter rushed to the scene. The victims were first treated and then taken to the hospitals in Horn, Hollabrunn, Zwettl, Waidhofen an der Thaya and Krems University Hospital. They have all since been discharged.