The crime scene in a central Vienna building belonging to the Archdiocese remains inaccessible days after a body was discovered during a basement fire, due to ongoing smoke. As of Friday, police forensics teams had still not been able to enter the area or begin collecting evidence, according to police spokesperson Anna Gutt. Investigators may have to wait until Monday to begin their work.

An autopsy earlier in the week confirmed the cause of death as smoke inhalation—soot particles were found in the victim’s lungs. The police have since clarified details about a previously reported injury: it was superficial, not serious, and may have been the result of an accident. Gutt denied media reports claiming the 28-year-old Ukrainian man had suffered stab wounds, calling them incorrect.

Circumstances Around Victim’s Presence Remain Unclear

Why the man was in the basement of the building on Spiegelgasse—used primarily for offices of the Roman Catholic Church—remains unknown. He lived in Vienna with his family. According to his mother, he had gone out with friends but never returned home. Police plan to interview his acquaintances and analyze his phone for further clues.

Firefighters Discovered the Body During Rescue Operation

The man’s body was found by firefighters late Monday night after emergency services were called to the fire around 11:00 p.m. Eight vehicles and 35 personnel worked to extinguish the blaze, which was brought under control by 3:00 a.m. The man was handed over to Vienna’s emergency medical services, but resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful.

The complex, multi-level basement was initially too smoke-filled to access. After ventilation efforts began, a second fire broke out around 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, likely caused by embers reigniting due to airflow. Even after the second blaze was extinguished, the basement remained too smoky to safely enter.