A special train without passengers caught fire on the U1 route early Tuesday evening. Subway stations had to be evacuated due to heavy smoke. According to Wiener Linien, the U1 will stay in for a long time.
“The driver started the rescue chain and was able to leave the train,” a Wiener Linien spokesperson reported to APA. Originally the U1 line only ran between Leopoldau and Schwedenplatz or Reumannplatz and Oberlaa.
Two rescue workers attended
The cause of the fire was not clear at first. The fire brigade was on duty and alert level two was declared. At first it was not possible to predict when the subway would run again as usual. The disruption will last until the end of operations at least. “Alternatively, use the U3, U4 and S-Bahn lines,” passengers were told.
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The subway driver received first aid from the emergency services. The woman was receiving psychological care, said the Linien Wiener. According to Martin Hofbauer, a spokesman for the professional fire brigade, she may have suffered minor smoke poisoning. Another Wiener Linien employee was also taken care of by the professional rescue service.
The fire was quickly extinguished
The professional fire department was alerted around 4:45 pm “The fire was extinguished with several extinguishing lines using respiratory protection,” the APA spokesperson reported. “Fire out” was announced around 6 pm The ventilation measures were still taking place in the evening.
The ventilation systems installed in the subway tunnels worked well and released the smoke outside. As a result, the smell of fire was also noticeable outside, for example in the Taubsmutmengasse area, the spokesman said. The two affected stations were routinely evacuated, as were the trains that were still running, and people were directed outside.
What safety protocols are in place for emergency situations involving trains?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Transport Safety Expert Dr. Jane Müller
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good afternoon, Dr. Müller. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent incident involving a passenger-less train fire on the U1 route in Vienna. What can you tell us about what happened?
Dr. Jane Müller (DJM): Thank you for having me. It’s quite a concerning incident. According to reports, a special train without passengers caught fire early Tuesday evening, which prompted the evacuation of several subway stations due to the resulting heavy smoke. This caused significant disruption, especially with the U1 line being closed for an extended period.
TNE: That’s alarming! What are some possible causes for a train to catch fire like that, especially when it’s not carrying passengers?
DJM: There are a number of potential causes for a train fire. It could stem from electrical issues, mechanical failure, or even something as simple as debris or foreign objects in the train’s system. It’s worth noting that passenger-less trains are often used for maintenance and other operational tasks, which could increase the likelihood of certain technical failures.
TNE: It must have been quite a challenge for the responders. Can you tell us about the immediate actions taken during such incidents?
DJM: Absolutely, and it’s essential that safety procedures are followed meticulously. In this case, the train driver managed to initiate a rescue chain and evacuate himself from the train. Once emergency services arrived, they would focus on controlling the fire and ensuring that the areas around the affected subway stations were safe for both passengers and staff.
TNE: Wiener Linien indicated that the U1 line will remain closed for a significant time. What kind of implications does this have for the public transportation system in Vienna?
DJM: Closing a major subway line like the U1 can lead to substantial disruptions in the public transportation network. This affects commuters who rely on this line for daily travel. Wiener Linien will need to provide clear communication and alternative options for passengers during this downtime. Additionally, it raises concerns about safety and operational protocols, which they will need to address to reassure the public.
TNE: Given this incident, what measures do you think transport authorities should consider implementing to prevent future occurrences?
DJM: It’s critical for transport authorities to invest in regular maintenance checks and risk assessments. Moreover, enhancing fire detection systems onboard trains and providing comprehensive training for operators on emergency protocols can greatly improve safety. Public communication plans that keep commuters informed during incidents are equally important.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Müller, for your insights on this serious matter. We’ll continue to monitor the situation and hope for a swift resolution to the U1 line’s closure.
DJM: Thank you for having me. Let’s hope the incident is investigated thoroughly and leads to improved safety measures in the future.