Accident during earthworks

Farmer (60) trapped under overturned farm tractor

Firefighters tried to free the 61-year-old man(Bild: BFKDO Braunau)

It was dramatic circumstances that led to a major fire department operation in the municipality of Treubach (Upper Austria) on Wednesday evening. A farmer was trapped under a Hoftrac. The vehicle had suddenly tipped over during earthworks and the 61-year-old was unable to get out of the way. Firefighters began a feverish rescue operation.

At 5.50 p.m., the alarm was raised by the regional warning center. A person was trapped under a farm tractor in Treubach. The Pfendhub, Treubach and Roßbach near Mauerkirchen volunteer fire departments immediately deployed with 40 helpers.

As it turned out on site, the farm loader had suddenly tipped to the left during earthworks on a farm. The farmer (60) was unable to get to safety in time and became trapped between the one and a half ton vehicle and a concrete retaining wall. 

Initially, the farm loader was well secured(Bild: BFKDO Braunau)

According to the police, he was apparently very lucky that the Hoftrac had not fallen directly onto him. The firefighters first secured the farm loader with a Paratech support system. At the same time, the vehicle was held on two sides with a grapple hoist. 

Lifting bags used
In order to free the shocked 60-year-old, who was responsive the whole time, spreaders and hydraulic cylinders were used, then the front section of the farm loader was lifted with lifting bags.

After the successful rescue, the injured man was treated by the ambulance and emergency medical team and taken to hospital. As it turned out, the injuries were not too serious. The patient could be discharged to home care.