Tragic accident at work: 55-year-old drowns at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg

Tragic accident at work: 55-year-old drowns at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg

On May 28, 2025, a tragic industrial accident occurred at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg. A 55-year-old man from the Leoben district was mowing with a brushcutter on a steep piece of meadow when he fell into a seven-meter-deep water collecting basin for reasons that are still unclear. The incident happened around 8 a.m. and despite immediate rescue attempts, the man died at the scene.

Work colleagues noticed the fall and immediately alerted the emergency services. A colleague jumped into the water to save the man, but failed due to poor visibility. A police officer also tried to rescue him, which also failed. Finally, it was divers from the Apfelberg Volunteer Fire Department who finally pulled the man out of the water. Despite resuscitation measures initiated immediately by an emergency medical team, any help came too late.

Important information about resuscitation

The German Society for Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine (DGAI) pointed out that the correct approach is crucial when rescuing lifeless people. At least 355 people drowned in Germany in 2022, representing a worrying increase. If you find a lifeless person in the water, you should first call emergency services. It is recommended to look for a lifeguard and pull the person out of the water as quickly as possible.

Dr. Jan Wnent from the DGAI gives clear instructions: After being pulled out of the water, it should be checked whether the person is breathing. If breathing stops, immediate resuscitation measures should be initiated. These should be carried out as professionally as possible by laypeople in order to increase the affected person's chances of survival.

Fatal accidents at work in Germany

The German Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA) has been documenting fatal work accidents since 1978. A current evaluation shows that a large proportion of these accidents occur on construction sites. Between 2014 and 2024, 1,549 fatal work accidents were recorded, while professional associations reported 4,458 accidents. The most common accident hotspots and hazards are identified through extensive data collections, which provide an important basis for preventative measures.

Following the fatal industrial accident at the Red Bull Ring, further investigations are being initiated to clarify the exact circumstances of the incident and minimize future risks. The Red Cross Crisis Intervention Team (KIT) also took care of the people present who were severely affected by the incident.

Overall, this tragic accident highlights the need for safety measures and preventive training in the workplace to prevent such incidents in the future.

For further information on resuscitation and safety when bathing, see the instructions from the DGAI here. You can find out more about fatal accidents at work on the BAuA website here.

You can also find coverage of the incident here 5min.at.