Passenger Train Evacuation: Fire in Terfner Tunnel, Austria

The passenger train is located in the almost 16 kilometer long Terfner tunnel in Austria. The tunnel is located 30 kilometers outside Innsbruck.

According to local media, the fire service was first notified of the fire at 8.45pm.

The rescue management quickly reported that the fire was under control, and after just over two hours, it was also reported that it had been extinguished.

370 people evacuated

At 10.45pm on Wednesday, it was announced that 25 passengers had been taken out, but that the evacuation is time-consuming as special equipment must be used to prevent smoke being inhaled. Around midnight, all 370 people, passengers and staff, must be out of the tunnel.

According to the Austrian broadcaster ORF the fire is said to have started when a catenary fell onto the train set and ignited a fire in cars being transported on one of the carriages.

Established damage reception at the tunnel opening

Outside the tunnel opening, a claim center has been established.

A spokesperson for the Austrian rail ban tells Tiroler Tageszeitung that all passengers will receive medical treatment, and that they are now working to find accommodation for the evacuated passengers.

The Terfner tunnel has double track and is approved for speeds of up to 220 km/h. The train must have been heading north to Hamburg and Amsterdam.