Horror accident in Retz: grandma and grandchildren injured by tablel candle!

Horror accident in Retz: grandma and grandchildren injured by tablel candle!

On Friday afternoon of July 20, 2025, Lower Austria, a tragic incident, was seriously injured when a 63-year-old woman was trying to light a bioethanol table candle. For unexplained reasons, a flame of up to two meters was created. The woman herself suffered hand injuries, while her two grandchildren, three and six years old, were seriously injured and had to be transported to Viennese hospitals. The Christophorus fleet rescue helicopters transferred the children to the Donaustadt clinic and to the AKH Vienna. Despite their serious injuries, however, the girls can be classified as not life-threatening, as reported https://www.kosmo.at/stichflammen- through-tischkkerze-shra-Mo-und-kelkinder/).

The occasion for the accidents are often improper handlings with bioethanol, which, as a fuel for modern fireplaces, represents a popular but also dangerous alternative. Ethanol fireplaces are particularly known for a homely atmosphere without smoke or soot and are very popular in home accessories such as glass tables. Nevertheless, experts warn of the risks associated with the use of such devices. In recent years, there have also been cases of serious injuries from ethanol explosions in Germany, which were mainly caused by operating errors or misfortunes when igniting and refilling, as [test notes.

fire hazard from bioethanol

dr. Hermann Dinkler, an expert in fire and explosion protection, emphasizes that bioethanol can form an explosive mixture at temperatures above 21 degrees Celsius. Strict security precautions must be observed when using ethanol fireplaces. Critical situations are particularly important when refilling ethanol in hot or burning condition. Experts recommend that ethanol fireplaces are only used in well-ventilated areas and never left unattended. It is also advisable to choose models that correspond to the EU security standards, such as the DIN EN 16647 standard, to minimize the risk of uncontrolled flames. TÜV Verband indicates that the GS sign or TÜV seal indicate that safety standards are observed.

In addition, consumer advocates advise to set up ethanol fire spots out of the reach of children and animals and to install additional safety precautions such as protective grids. In the case of uncontrolled flames, suitable extinguishing agents, such as a fire blanket or a foam fire extinguisher, should always be at hand. Ethanol itself should only be refilled in cold condition to minimize the risk of flame flames and explosions. Alternatively, special combustion pastes can be used to further reduce the risk of fires and deflacements.