Test of courage with consequences

Dangerous beer bet triggers major operation at nuclear power plant

The test of courage led to a major operation in Zwentendorf.

(Bild: FF Zwentendorf)

This will probably be the most expensive three crates of beer in the life of a 23-year-old! Because these were the reward for daring to undertake a special test of courage. He was supposed to climb up the 105-meter-high exhaust chimney of the nuclear power plant in Zwentendorf (Lower Austria). But the bet backfired.

The young man was a guest of a large delegation from Upper Austria who had rented the nuclear power plant for two days. Shortly before midnight on Saturday, the 23-year-old allowed himself to be persuaded. He reached the tower via a path secured by barbed wire, where he then climbed the ladder to the top. Even though it is surrounded by fall protection, authorized persons are only allowed up there with special equipment.

The test of courage led to a major operation in Zwentendorf.

(Bild: FF Zwentendorf)

Initially paralyzed
However, the climber was observed by other guests, one of whom finally informed the emergency services. And they immediately arrived with a large contingent. Several fire departments, the Red Cross and the police were on site to get the 23-year-old back down. He was probably paralyzed at first by the large number of people and lights, but was then motivated to climb back down.

The Zwentendorf nuclear power plant, which never went into operation

(Bild: P. Huber)

The "competition king" remained unharmed. However, his joy at winning the crates of beer will probably be gone for good when he receives the bill for the large-scale operation ...