Couple in Bad Wimsbach in mortal danger due to CO2 in the basement!

Couple in Bad Wimsbach in mortal danger due to CO2 in the basement!

On October 12, 2025, a worrying incident occurred in Bad Wimsbach, Upper Austria, affecting an 86-year-old couple. The couple went into the outbuilding of a farm building to get something from the basement. There were two concrete silos in the basement, some of which were filled with feed. During their stay, odorless carbon dioxide (CO₂) was released, which was life-threatening for the two seniors.

The 86-year-old fell to the ground due to the CO₂ accumulation, but was not unconscious. His 79-year-old wife, who was also dazed, called for help. Her 54-year-old son heard the cry for help and rushed to the rescue. In a brave move, he used an air hose to get his mother outside. Unfortunately, he couldn't save his father immediately and so called 911. The fire department arrived quickly and used breathing apparatus to rescue the father from the basement. He was responsive to the rescue.

Rescue measures and first aid

Both spouses received first aid from the rescue workers and an emergency doctor. They were subsequently transported to the hospital in a rescue helicopter and an ambulance. The fire department discovered that the old silos were no longer tight, which led to dangerous CO₂ leaks. In view of the situation, the mayor of Bad Wimsbach/N informed. about this and ordered the official closure of the premises in question.

The incident raises important questions about safety on farms, particularly the dangers posed by deep silos. Safety precautions such as fall protection and safety nets are essential to avoid accidents. Narrow farm routes in solo businesses are often associated with the risk of falling, which is also exacerbated by a lack of security. Measures to improve safety should therefore be implemented urgently to prevent such tragedies in the future [svlfg.de] reports.

The context of agriculture and climate protection

Another aspect that is important in the context of agricultural activities are climate protection measures that can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the agricultural sector. A research project commissioned by the Federal Environment Agency shows that significant savings in CO₂ equivalents are possible through various measures, such as increasing manure fermentation and limiting animal husbandry. In particular, attention is drawn to the need for further, effective measures, as emissions in the agricultural sector are expected to stagnate, making the overall goal of greenhouse gas neutrality more difficult [umweltbundesamt.de] informs.

The events of October 12, 2025 should not only serve as a warning signal, but also as an incentive for measures that both increase the safety of people on farms and contribute to climate protection. It remains to be hoped that both safety standards and environmental policy requirements in agriculture will be improved.