Severe Thunderstorm Causes Chaos in Tiroler Oberland

Severe Thunderstorm Causes Chaos in Tiroler Oberland

 

Illustration photo. Eberhard Grossgasteiger
Illustration photo. Eberhard Grossgasteiger

A severe thunderstorm fueled by high temperatures struck the Tiroler Oberland on Monday evening. The storm brought heavy rain, localized hail, and significant disruption to the region. The storm triggered multiple landslides, severely impacting some roads and rail services.

One of the most serious incidents occurred on the Mittenwald railway line, where a train carrying 40 passengers became stranded after a landslide blocked its path. En route from Innsbruck to Seefeld, the train could not continue and became stuck in the waste. Fortunately, none of the passengers were injured.

Rescue operations for the stranded passengers proved challenging. Initially, plans were made to evacuate them onto a following train heading toward Innsbruck. However, a second landslide occurred, blocking this train as well. ÖBB emergency teams and first responders were forced to reach the scene on foot. After several hours of effort, the train could return to the Westbahnhof station under its own power, where the passengers were safely handed over to emergency services. ÖBB has arranged for their onward transportation.

The second train, also heading toward Innsbruck, was safely evacuated with assistance from the fire department. Due to the damage, the Karwendelbahn route is expected to remain closed through Tuesday, with a replacement bus service operating between Innsbruck and Seefeld.

Several landslides were also reported on the Tiroler Straße (B171), leading to the road’s closure between Zirl and Innsbruck until at least Tuesday morning. State authorities have announced that a geological inspection will be conducted to determine further actions. In the meantime, an alternative route is available via the Inntalautobahn (A12).

Additionally, the Oberinntal Landesstraße between Pfunds and Landeck was temporarily closed in both directions for about an hour due to a landslide. Similarly, the Pitztal Landesstraße between St. Leonhard and Mandarfen was also impassable.

Emergency services responded to 140 incidents across the region in a short period, with the majority occurring in Kematen and Zirl, both in the Innsbruck-Land district. A total of 43 fire departments were deployed to manage the situation, including dealing with isolated hail showers and heavy rainfall.

 

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