Great fire in Amstetten: Fire brigade finds dead in the inn

Great fire in Amstetten: Fire brigade finds dead in the inn

On Wednesday afternoon, a devastating major fire occurred in Amstetten, which involved the local rescue workers into a rapid use. Around 4:45 p.m., the control center reported a fire in a larger building complex in Hofstett-Emerbuch, part of the community northwest of Ulm. Tragically, the emergency services found a dead person in an inn when searching the fire site.

The volunteer fire brigade, which is already in the immediate vicinity, was quickly at the scene and fought against the flames with enormous difficulties. On the first floor, where the fire raged, several rooms burned while the Löwen inn was on the ground floor. There were living rooms over the inn, and agricultural buildings and stables were adjacent. Fortunately, some animals, including goats and horses, were brought to safety in good time.

The course of the fire and the extinguishing work

Already in the first hour there were about 75 firefighters on site, and the number of emergency services rose to over 100. An internal attack had to be canceled because crunching wooden beams gave a signal for the threatening risk of collapse. The fire smoke then collected on the second floor, which led to a flash-over, in which a massive cloud of smoke formed due to sudden oxygen supply.

Thanks to the help of a drone relay that took pictures of the fire from above, the operations managers were able to better assess the situation and adapt their strategy. In addition, the technical relief organization (THW) was consulted, which pulled the roof with an excavator in order to specifically get to the foci. THW structural engineer monitored the condition of the building and ensured the safety of the extinguishing work.

support of the residents and evacuation

The residents showed great sympathy and brought pizzas and drinks to support the firefighters. The quick organization of emergency accommodation for the eight residents who had to be evacuated was remarkable. Mayor Johannes Raab, who was on site as head of the local police authority, took care of those in need who were quickly accommodated in a hotel in the neighborhood. Several emergency pastors were at the side of the evacuated to process the traumatic experience.

The criminal police have now started an investigation into the cause of the fire, which is currently still unknown. A height of damage cannot be quantified at the present time. The summary of the events and the circumstances has aroused great interest, and the community has kept together to help each other in this difficult situation.