130 people evacuated

Shock in Parndorf: tractor hit by train

After the crash between a train and a tractor, both drivers of the vehicles were in severe shock.

(Bild: FF Parndorf)

A big scare in Parndorf in Burgenland: a train hit a tractor there at lunchtime on Thursday. Around 130 passengers had to be evacuated from the train. The volunteer fire department was deployed. 

Fortunately, both the train driver and the tractor driver escaped without injury, according to the emergency services. Both were in severe shock. 

Onlookers expelled from the scene
"We were supported by our comrades from the Neudorf bei Parndorf fire brigade, the Samaritans and the Neusiedl am See Red Cross platoon," said the Parndorf fire brigade. The emergency services also emphasized that onlookers would only make the operation more difficult: "They will be expelled from the scene." 

The scene of the accident was a level crossing. The train is said to have raced towards the tractor at around 140 km/h. The crash also caused 240 liters of diesel to leak out. 

Track closed in both directions
As a result, the line had to be closed in both directions. In the direction of Bratislava and Nickelsdorf, it should be reopened shortly, according to ÖBB. From Parndorf in the direction of Bruck an der Leitha and Vienna, however, the closure is expected to last at least another two hours.