Five Injured in Accident on Vienna's Historic Wiener Hochschaubahn Roller Coaster Vienna, Austria — April 11, 2026

Two women were hospitalized and three others treated for injuries after an accident Saturday afternoon on the Wiener Hochschaubahn, one of the world’s oldest operating wooden roller coasters, located in Vienna’s iconic Wurstelprater amusement park.

## Emergency Response and Injuries The incident occurred shortly after noon, prompting an immediate emergency response from the ride’s operators. Police received the alert at 12:15 PM, and rescue operations concluded by 1:30 PM, according to corroborated reports. Two 63-year-old women sustained injuries, likely bruises, and were transported to a hospital for treatment. Three other passengers—two 39-year-old women and a 46-year-old man—were treated on-site and did not require hospitalization.

Authorities confirmed no children were involved in the accident. The roller coaster’s driver, positioned in the second wagon as intended, was unharmed. Markus Dittrich, a police spokesperson, indicated that preliminary findings suggest no third-party fault. "Es schaut aber eher nicht nach Fremdverschulden Dritter aus," Dittrich stated, emphasizing the absence of external culpability.

## Historic Ride and Operational Details The Wiener Hochschaubahn, built between 1948 and 1950, remains one of the oldest active roller coasters globally. Operated as a family business, the attraction retains its original wooden structure and conventional rail system, including a manual riding brake. The approximately 450-meter-long track winds through an artificial landscape designed to mimic Austria’s Großglockner mountain.

Despite its age, the ride has maintained its historic charm, drawing visitors to the Prater, Vienna’s sprawling amusement district. The Zwergerlbahn, another vintage attraction in the park, shares a similar legacy but was not involved in Saturday’s incident. The Hochschaubahn’s operators swiftly activated emergency protocols following the accident, underscoring their adherence to safety measures.

Authorities have not yet disclosed the specific cause of the accident, but the ride’s vintage design and manual operation will likely be scrutinized as part of the investigation. The Prater, a landmark since the 18th century, continues to blend historic attractions with modern amusements, though this incident highlights the challenges of maintaining aging infrastructure.

No further disruptions to park operations were reported, and the Hochschaubahn’s future reopening remains pending investigation.