
An 18-year-old remains in critical condition after a tragic incident near Vienna’s Schönbrunn U4 station. On Tuesday afternoon, he and a group of friends attempted a dangerous stunt by riding illegally on the roof of a subway car. The teen collided with a pedestrian bridge above the tracks, sustaining life-threatening injuries. A 17-year-old, also severely injured, is being treated at the Meidling Trauma Center (AUVA Trauma Hospital), where he is in critical condition as well.
The four young men, including two Czechs and two Austrians, reportedly began their risky subway ride just after 4:00 p.m., according to Wiener Linien. The group climbed onto the roof of the U-Bahn as it traveled from Hütteldorf. When the train entered Schönbrunn station, the two Czech teenagers struck a pedestrian overpass, leading to serious injuries. Emergency services rushed them to local hospitals. A third member of the group, aged 16, sustained minor injuries, while a 13-year-old companion remained unharmed. The train driver is receiving psychological support, and U4 service was temporarily suspended between Meidling Hauptstraße and Braunschweiggasse.
Wiener Linien issued a strong warning, underscoring the deadly risks associated with such stunts. “We strongly urge everyone to avoid reckless, life-threatening actions like this. No TikTok video, dare, or selfie is worth climbing onto a subway or tram and risking one’s life,” a spokesperson emphasized. They also encouraged passengers to report any dangerous situations by using the emergency systems on vehicles or platforms.
The public was also asked not to share any social media content from the incident to prevent similar stunts. A video obtained by APA shows the daring maneuver, capturing two young men lying on top of the moving U4 train, posing for the camera as the train speeds under a bridge. As the train approaches Schönbrunn station, the teens sit up, backs facing the pedestrian bridge. The video ends abruptly as the two are seen with serious head injuries, lying motionless atop the train.
Vienna police and Wiener Linien are reviewing footage to investigate the exact details of the accident, though no specifics on the circumstances will be disclosed to prevent copycat incidents. Wiener Linien confirmed that all such cases will be reported to authorities.