A gas leak at a construction site in Mödling on Wednesday morning left one worker dead and another seriously injured. The incident occurred around 9:00 a.m. during work in the gas network operated by Wiener Netze, police spokesperson Johann Baumschlager said. The injured man was airlifted to hospital by emergency helicopter. “Investigations into the cause of the accident are already in full swing,” Wiener Netze GmbH said in a statement.
According to the company, the accident happened on a daytime worksite within its gas network. When emergency crews arrived, both men were found unconscious in the excavation pit. Wearing breathing apparatus, rescuers removed the workers from the site, the local fire department reported. Resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful for one man. Gas detectors were used to measure possible concentrations of gas.
The Mödling and Wiener Neudorf fire departments responded with seven vehicles and more than 30 personnel. Nearby houses were temporarily evacuated, Baumschlager said, adding, “There is no longer any danger to the public.”
Wiener Netze expressed shock over the incident: “Our thoughts are with the families of those affected.”
