Car plunges into the Salzach: Driver rescues himself from sinking vehicle

Emergency crews secure the vehicle

No further details were initially provided regarding the driver's state of health or possible injuries. The B311 is a heavily traveled connection between Salzburg and Tyrol and runs directly along the Salzach in the section around Bruck an der Großglocknerstraße. The exact circumstances of the accident are the subject of police investigations.

The Salzach is carrying elevated water levels after the rainy days in the Pinzgau; the current is considered particularly dangerous in such phases. Local residents and tourists have long been advised to exercise caution when using shoreline areas and bridgeheads in the region.

Background: Hazard situation along the Salzach

Rescue operations involving vehicles in the Salzach are not uncommon in the region. Just last year, emergency crews had to recover cars from the water at several points along the river between Zell am See and Bruck an der Großglocknerstraße.

Police closed off the accident site for the duration of the recovery operation. Traffic on the B311 was diverted locally, as the Salzburg State Police Directorate announced.

Recovery and closure of the B311

A final report on possible environmental damage from leaking operating fluids had not yet been issued. Representatives of the water rescue service announced that the vehicle would be lifted out of the river with heavy equipment during the course of the day.

Investigations into the cause of the accident are ongoing. There were initially no indications of a medical emergency at the wheel or of a collision with other vehicles.