Fatal A2 Crash in Lower Austria
A devastating accident on the A2 Südautobahn in Lower Austria claimed the lives of four women on Tuesday morning. The collision, involving a minibus carrying eight Ukrainian citizens and a Spanish-registered truck, left several others seriously injured. This tragic event has prompted a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Horror on the A2: Minibus and Truck Collision
The accident occurred around 6:20 a.m. near Scheiblingkirchen in the Neunkirchen district. According to police spokesman Johann Baumschlager, the truck, driven by two Peruvian citizens, was reportedly exiting a parking lot when it collided with the minibus. Four female passengers in the minibus, aged between 53 and 64, died at the scene. Three other women and the male driver sustained serious injuries. The truck occupants escaped with minor injuries.
Emergency Response and Highway Closure
The scale of the tragedy triggered a massive emergency response. Three emergency medical helicopters, alongside numerous ambulances and rescue vehicles from various organizations, were deployed to the scene. The A2 highway towards Vienna was closed for several hours, causing significant traffic delays. Firefighters and police worked tirelessly to manage the situation, even using a drone to assist with measurements at the accident site.
Investigation Underway
The investigation is currently focused on determining the exact cause of the accident. While initial reports suggest the truck may have moved from the acceleration lane into the path of the minibus, police are carefully examining all aspects of the collision. The serious injuries sustained by some survivors unfortunately impede immediate questioning, delaying full clarification of the minibus's journey and purpose. However, authorities have ruled out smuggling as a factor.
A Community Mourns
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with highway travel. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those who lost their lives, as well as those who were injured. The ongoing investigation will hopefully provide answers and prevent similar incidents in the future.
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