Cat disappears after serious crash in Wels

Two men were injured in a serious rear-end crash in Wels early Saturday, while a cat travelling in one of the cars ran away and could not be found, ORF reported.

Police said the crash happened at about 3 a.m. on the B1 road towards the city centre, when a 25-year-old man from Linz hit the car in front of him. The other vehicle, driven by a 20-year-old man, also from Linz, left the road, struck a concrete well shaft and came to rest on its side against a flagpole.

The 20-year-old was treated at the scene and taken to Wels Hospital with serious injuries, according to the Red Cross. The 25-year-old was able to leave his heavily damaged car on his own. Police said he appeared heavily intoxicated but refused a breath test. He became increasingly aggressive and insulted the officers before calming down somewhat after being taken away from the crash scene. He was also taken to Wels Hospital for further examination.

The 25-year-old had been travelling with his grey tabby cat, which was initially on the rear parcel shelf. The animal escaped when emergency workers tried to remove and care for it. A search in the surrounding area was unsuccessful during the night.