Cause of fire unclear

Neighbor saves couple in Lower Austria from death by fire

The neighbor was able to save the couple from death by fire at the last second.(Bild: BFK DOKU Team)

A couple from Oberndorf an der Melk (Scheibbs district) probably owe their lives to their neighbor: on Saturday evening, the couple's home suddenly went up in flames. The resident noticed the smoke and immediately called the emergency services. The woman (56) was discovered lying in the garden and the man (57) was rescued from the bedroom. 

It was lucky that the neighbor noticed the smoke in time. She had the presence of mind to reach for her cell phone at around 5 p.m. and immediately alerted the emergency services. By the time the woman made the emergency call, the 56-year-old occupant of the burning first floor apartment was reportedly already lying in the garden. 

Man rescued unconscious from the apartment
Her unconscious husband, who was still in the bedroom, was rescued from the flames in time. The fire department was also able to extinguish the fire quickly. The couple from Lower Austria also had a dog, the poor four-legged friend fled outside immediately after the apartment door was opened. 

Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing
Both fire victims were immediately taken to Scheibbs Hospital. According to police spokesman Johann Baumschlager, there is no danger to life. Investigations into the cause of the fire are being carried out by the district fire investigator together with the Lower Austrian State Office of Criminal Investigation.