Severe storms in Carinthia cause traffic accidents, fire and dozens of emergency callouts

Sequence of incidents on federal roads

A short time later, on the B106 in the Mölltal near Kolbnitz, a 59-year-old driver is believed to have aquaplaned and left the road. He was taken by ambulance to the hospital in Spittal an der Drau. Twenty-one emergency personnel with four vehicles cleared rockfall debris and cleaned the affected road.

In Millstatt, fire crews were called to a blaze in the Edelsdorf area. The fire was reported under control at around 8:10 p.m. after extended suppression work in difficult weather conditions. No details on the cause or extent of damage were released in the initial reports.

Fire in Millstatt brought under control

The series of incidents underscored how quickly summer storms can disrupt travel and trigger cascading emergencies. Mountain and valley roads in Carinthia are particularly exposed during convective weather, when sudden gusts, hail and surface water can overwhelm drivers within seconds.

Authorities urged motorists to reduce speed and increase following distance during heavy rain, warning that caravans and motorcycles are especially vulnerable to crosswinds. The Landeskommando reminded residents to secure loose outdoor objects and to avoid unnecessary travel when storm warnings are in effect.

Safety guidance for motorists

Several of the injured were treated in regional hospitals; no fatalities had been confirmed in the initial official statements. Police continued to investigate the exact sequence of events on both federal roads, including whether further charges or reports would follow.

Rescue services across the Drau valley and Mölltal remained on heightened standby overnight, with additional crews pre-positioned in case of further storms. Meteorologists in Austria had warned of strong thunderstorm activity across the southern Alpine regions on Thursday.