150-kilogram metal part damages Vienna railway line

ORF reports that a 150-kilogram metal part from a metal recycling company landed on the tracks near Vienna’s Meidling station, damaging a switch and related safety equipment when a Railjet ran over it. No one was injured.

Investigators found that the company is located next to the station grounds. Police said the metal part may have missed a container during unloading and fallen onto the tracks as a train was leaving the station area.

Police have filed a report on suspicion of negligent endangerment of public safety.

The damaged railway section is expected to remain restricted until Thursday at 4 p.m. The route between Meidling and Liesing may see individual cancellations and delays of up to 20 minutes, according to ÖBB. Replacement parts have been ordered and railway staff are working to complete the repairs.