Leopoldsdorf Building Fire: Explosions Reported as Crews Battle Extensive Blaze
A large fire engulfed a house under construction in Leopoldsdorf, Austria, on Saturday, prompting a massive response from seven local fire brigades. The blaze, which broke out shortly before 11 a.m. near the intersection of Fasangasse and Baumgasse, required approximately 24 vehicles and 90 firefighters to contain.
Initial reports indicated a swift escalation of the fire. First responders from Leopoldsdorf, Maria Lanzendorf, and Lanzendorf were initially dispatched, but the rapidly expanding flames necessitated the mobilization of additional crews from Hennersdorf, Ebergassing, Schwechat, and Pellendorf.
According to witnesses, the fire was preceded by a series of concerning sounds. “It banged loudly and after a short break it banged again loudly several times,” stated a local resident, describing a series of explosions heard before the outbreak. The fire originated in the upper portion of the building’s shell and quickly spread to bales of insulation wool stored on the construction site.
The Leopoldsdorf fire brigade reported an “extensive fire of different insulation materials and an extensive fire on the roof area” but confirmed that no individuals were on the roof at the time. One homeowner was evaluated by the Red Cross for suspected flue gas poisoning and transported to a nearby hospital.
Fire Commander Andreas Perner confirmed the fire was extinguished at approximately 12:07 p.m. This incident follows a similar fire in mid-August at the “Rainbow” kindergarten, which forced the relocation of classes to an after-school care center.
Images released by the Leopoldsdorf fire brigade depict a significant plume of smoke visible from a distance, firefighters battling the blaze from all sides, and the aftermath of the fire, showing partially burned insulation material. Firefighters faced challenging conditions, including extreme heat and the need for breathing apparatus and various extinguishing agents.
