Rear-end collision on the A12 near Weer: Two families with young children hospitalized after swerving to avoid a fox

Accident sequence: Heavy braking because of fox

Immediately behind the Romanian's vehicle was a 34-year-old Austrian who could no longer react in time. As the police reported, „Ein 34-jähriger Österreicher, der unmittelbar hinter dem Fahrzeug des Rumänen fuhr, konnte nicht mehr rechtzeitig reagieren und prallte gegen das Heck." (A 34-year-old Austrian, who was driving immediately behind the Romanian's vehicle, could no longer react in time and crashed into the rear.) His vehicle contained his 33-year-old wife as well as his two daughters, aged five years and eight months.

Families involved and injuries

The consequences of the rear-end collision were significant. According to the current state of the investigation, at least three members of the Austrian family are believed to have sustained injuries of an undetermined degree. The exact severity of the injuries was initially unclear. After receiving initial care on site, the occupants of both vehicles were transported by emergency vehicles to Innsbruck State Hospital.

The rescue chain was set in motion swiftly once the accident became known. Two ambulances (RTW), a patient transport vehicle (KTW), and an emergency doctor vehicle (NEF) were deployed on site. „Alle Insassen wurden nach der Erstversorgung mit der Rettung ins Krankenhaus nach Innsbruck gebracht, die Polizei spricht von "mindestens drei Personen der österreichischen Familie", die verletzt worden seien."

Emergency services and closure of the directional carriageway

Due to the accident, the directional carriageway toward Innsbruck was initially completely blocked. For around one hour, the accident site was only passable with difficulty, leading to minor traffic disruptions. After a short time, the route was reopened to single-lane traffic. Both damaged vehicles had to be towed away by a breakdown service.

Construction zone as a risk factor

The police pointed out that the accident occurred in a construction zone. Such sections of road are considered particular risk zones because lane narrowings, speed limits, and changing lane markings additionally shorten reaction time. The officers concluded: „Es kam zu leichten Verkehrsbehinderungen."

Both families come from other European countries and from Austria, respectively. The 35-year-old Romanian was on his way toward Innsbruck when the animal abruptly interrupted his journey, according to police. His vehicle was struck from behind by the following car driven by the 34-year-old Austrian.

The authorities announced further investigations into the exact course of the accident. It was initially unclear whether additional occupants – particularly the young children and the baby – also required medical treatment. The police referred to the ongoing state of the investigation.

The incident occurred in the night from Sunday to Monday, 20 July 2026, on the A12 Inntal Motorway in the Weer construction zone. No information was initially released regarding the amount of property damage to the two vehicles.