ÖBB stations rescue train for Koralmtunnel emergencies

An ÖBB rescue train stationed in St. Paul in Lavanttal forms part of the railway company’s safety system for the new Koralmbahn high-speed line, ORF reports. The train can evacuate people from the Koralmtunnel in an emergency.

It is used if a fire breaks out in the tunnel or a defective train becomes stranded. The rescue train can bring people to safety and support firefighting operations.

The train’s front and rear sections are equipped with water monitors capable of projecting water up to 70 metres. These can be used to cool a tank wagon from the driver’s cab. Large fans help clear smoke from the tunnel or blow fresh air inside.

The train has more than 300 places for people who need to be evacuated. It also carries breathing apparatus to protect against toxic smoke. Firefighting equipment is operated from the driver’s cab.

A professional train driver and a fire service officer are on duty in 12-hour shifts. In an emergency, specially trained ÖBB staff and specialist members of volunteer fire brigades join them. The rescue teams then travel into the tunnel on the firefighting and rescue train.

Austria’s 18 tunnel rescue trains now have standardised equipment. According to ÖBB emergency management director Florian Pfeffer, this allows the vehicles to be exchanged nationwide for workshop visits or scheduled maintenance. They can also be used in different parts of the country, while fire service response tactics have been harmonised nationwide.

On many nights each year, the service train travels into the Koralmtunnel to transport staff responsible for ongoing maintenance.