Crashed into bridge

After resuscitation: “Surfer” still in mortal danger

The seconds before the fatal collision. The "Krone" has video footage of the life-threatening incident - we are publishing a screenshot as a warning.

(Bild: zVg, Krone KREATIV)

On Tuesday afternoon, so-called subway surfers crashed into a pedestrian bridge at Schönbrunn U4 station in Vienna while riding illegally on the roof. An 18-year-old man is still in mortal danger after the tragic accident. Another "surfer" is also in a "critical condition".

According to Wiener Linien, the quartet's risky journey began shortly after 4 p.m. on Tuesday when the men climbed onto the roof of the U4 subway line from the direction of Hütteldorf and rode along.

The seconds before the fatal collision. Video recordings of the life-threatening action are available to the "Krone" - we are publishing a screenshot as a warning.

(Bild: zVg, Krone KREATIV)

First aid after the accident - documented by a reader reporter. The exact course of the accident is now to be analyzed together with the police using video analysis.

(Bild: Leserreporter, Krone KREATIV)

Severity of the impact led to resuscitation
The daredevil action ended tragically: two of the group crashed into a pedestrian bridge over the track as they entered Schönbrunn station. According to Wiener Rettung, the force of the impact was so severe that resuscitation had to be carried out.

Professional rescue and the Samaritans took the two men to hospital. The 18-year-old "surfer" was still in mortal danger on Wednesday, while another of the men, aged 17, was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries. He was also in a "critical condition", as the Meidling Accident Hospital announced on Wednesday.

Every case is one too many and will be reported to the police.

Wiener Linien

Psychological support for the subway train driver
A 16-year-old third "surfer" escaped with minor injuries, the fourth man - who was only 13 - was apparently unharmed. The subway driver received psychological counseling. Service on the U4 was then temporarily interrupted between Meidling Hauptstraße and Braunschweiggasse.

Warning about "surfer" actions 
The exact circumstances of the accident will now be analyzed together with the police using video analysis, according to Wiener Linien.

In this context, it is pointed out that such actions and tests of courage are always associated with danger to life: "We urge you to refrain from such reckless and life-threatening actions. No TikTok video, test of courage or selfie in the world is worth climbing onto a subway or streetcar and risking your life. Anyone who notices a dangerous situation should immediately activate the emergency call devices in the vehicles or on the platform."

In order to avoid such actions, Wiener Linien focuses on prevention and education in this context. For years, workshops have been held in schools in cooperation with the Education Directorate and the police. Children and young people are made aware of the issue of safety and correct behavior in and around public transport through lectures and subway tours.