Drama at the level crossing: Truck and freight train collide in Garsten!

Drama at the level crossing: Truck and freight train collide in Garsten!

On April 1, 2025, a serious accident occurred in Garsten, Upper Austria, when a truck collided with a loaded freight train. The incident began at around 7:30 a.m. when the truck was on the railway junction and closed the barriers for the train driving towards Steyr. The rear area of the truck was recorded by the train, whereupon the vehicle tipped. Both the train driver and the truck driver suffered minor injuries and a severe shock. There were only slight amounts of fuel, which minimized the environmental impact. Nevertheless, the property damage led to a temporary lock of the railway line and caused the resulting delays in rail traffic. Fire brigades from Garsten, Sand and St. Ulrich as well as numerous other organizations were involved in the salvage measures, in which a drone was also used. The truck had to be recovered by a specialized company, and the load - pellets - had to be pumped over. fireworld reports that this incident had significant effects on local and long-distance traffic.

injured and emergency services

collision in Leoben

Another serious accident occurred in the afternoon of the same day in Niklasdorf, Leoben district when a truck crashed into a freight train. Nobody was injured here, but the property damage is estimated at several million euros. Shortly before the accident, the driver of the truck had stopped at the ostrained level crossing to take a look at his trailer. When the barriers closed, he left the danger site, but the train crashed into the truck, so that several wagons of the freight train derailed. In this situation, a rail replacement traffic for the affected train routes was set up. Over 40 emergency services were involved in the clean-up and repair work, while the Niklasdorf police started investigating the course of the accident. MeinDzirk informs about the location and the necessary measures.

long -term security aspects

The incidents illustrate the persistent risks at level crossings. According to a study by the International Railway Association UIC, 27% of all train accidents at level crossings occur; In the event of fatal accidents, it is even 98%. Stefan Pöting, Head of Railway Technology at TÜV Nord, emphasizes the importance of technical security precautions such as barriers and warning lights. These facilities are crucial to reduce the risk of future accidents. He points out that the long braking distance of a train of up to 700 meters is often underestimated and emphasizes the need for education and sensitization in order to increase traffic safety. Further information about security measures at level crossings can be found on the website of TÜV Nord .