Gas explosion in Vienna destroys residential building – ten injured, cause still unclear

Extent of the destruction

Three other people, including a 25-year-old pregnant woman, were taken to a hospital for further treatment. The remaining injured were able to be released on site after outpatient care.

Firefighters, emergency medical services, and police deployed in large numbers to secure the scene and begin cleanup operations. According to their own statements, the emergency services were occupied for several hours with cordoning off the area, rescue operations, and securing the site.

Deployment of emergency services

Residents were woken from sleep by the loud bang of the explosion. Several neighboring buildings also sustained significant damage, including shattered windows and damaged facades. Police initially provided no information on the exact number of affected neighboring buildings.

Investigation into the cause underway

Specialists began examining the scene on Sunday morning to determine the exact cause of the explosion. Indications of a technical defect in a gas line are being investigated, with final results still pending. The investigation is ongoing.

According to the fire department, the rescue of the 94-year-old was particularly difficult because parts of the building were at risk of collapse. Rescue workers secured the rubble before they were able to free the injured woman from the remains of the house.

Police warned residents not to approach the area around the scene any further while securing operations continued. Parts of the surrounding streets were temporarily closed. It was initially unclear when residents of the damaged neighboring buildings would be able to return to their apartments.