Work in Oberndorf

Three men end up in hospital with exhaust poisoning

One of the workers had to be taken by helicopter to the university hospital in Salzburg.

(Bild: Markus Tschepp)

An extensive rescue operation took place in Oberndorf on Monday. Three workers had suffered exhaust gas poisoning during concrete grinding work in the basement of a factory. One of the men had to be taken to the regional hospital by helicopter.

Shortly after 3 p.m. on Monday, all emergency services were alerted to a company in Oberndorf. It was reported that gas was leaking and one person was already unconscious. 

It quickly became apparent that renovation work was being carried out in the building. Concrete floors were being poured and sanded in the basement. The three workers (41, 57 and 59 years old) were using a compressor, among other things. However, as the rooms in the basement had few windows, a build-up of toxic carbon monoxide (CO) occurred.

Men rescued colleagues
One man (41) had collapsed and was carried out of the danger zone by the two other workers. The two men also noticed that they had developed breathing problems and dizziness.

After all three people had been taken to Oberndorf Hospital, one man had to be transferred to Salzburg University Hospital by rescue helicopter. He was kept in hospital overnight and given oxygen.

On site, the fire department found carbon monoxide levels many times higher than the life-threatening limit. The premises had to be treated with fresh air blowers for several hours before it was possible to enter the scene of the accident.

The police, Red Cross and Oberndorf volunteer fire department were on site.