Stranded ICE travelers delayed for hours in a tunnel en route to Germany from Austria
On July 26, 2025, a Deutsche Bahn ICE train from Vienna to Hamburg experienced a power outage in Hadersdorf, Austria, outside Vienna, at around 1:30 PM due to a technical malfunction[1]. The incident resulted in darkness inside parts of the train and an air conditioning failure[1].
The train's stoppage in the Hadersdorf railway tunnel trapped approximately 400 passengers[1]. Initially, a plan was made to transfer passengers to a replacement train inside the tunnel, but this was abandoned due to passengers not following instructions, the late hour, and to avoid further delays[1]. Instead, an emergency evacuation was carried out with the coordinated efforts of ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways), Vienna Fire Department, Wiener Linien buses, and Vienna Professional Rescue Service[1][2].
The rescue operation involved about 80 personnel from the fire department with 20 vehicles, and the rescue service deployed a mobile command center, evacuation bus, and eight rescue vehicles[1]. The evacuation was successfully completed before 8:00 PM the same day, with two passengers requiring outpatient care but no serious injuries or hospitalizations[1][2].
Following the evacuation, many passengers used buses back to the city or arranged their own transportation, and were informed about further travel options by ÖBB and Wiener Linien[1]. The rail line between Vienna-Meidling and Tullnerfeld was reopened without restrictions after midnight.
During the power outage, some passengers were trapped in darkness and without air conditioning for hours. Despite the challenging circumstances, the evacuation operation was completed without any major incidents. However, a handful of passengers failed to follow instructions and instead left the train and disappeared into the tunnel[1].
The tunnel must now be searched for any missing passengers before it can be reopened. The company was unable to tow the train out of the tunnel, so passengers were transferred to a replacement train within the tunnel with the help of rescue services. This led to the power having to be shut down again for safety reasons[1].
References:
[1] ÖBB. (2025). Power outage on Deutsche Bahn ICE train in Hadersdorf tunnel leads to evacuation of passengers. Retrieved from https://www.oebb.at/en/news/power-outage-on-deutsche-bahn-ice-train-in-hadersdorf-tunnel-leads-to-evacuation-of-passengers
[2] Wiener Linien. (2025). Wiener Linien supports passengers after Deutsche Bahn ICE train power outage in Hadersdorf tunnel. Retrieved from https://www.wienerlinien.at/en/news/wiener-linien-supports-passengers-after-deutsche-bahn-ice-train-power-outage-in-hadersdorf-tunnel
The incident on the Deutsche Bahn ICE train, which led to an emergency evacuation, was not just a general news story or a transit issue, but it also had financial implications for the rail industry, as the train's delay may have caused financial losses and disruptions in the transportation sector.
Automotive companies offering car rental services might have experienced an influx of requests from stranded passengers seeking alternative means of transportation following the evacuation.
In the aftermath of the accident, news outlets covering general news, finance, and the automotive industry, as well as public transit authorities, carefully monitored the search for missing passengers and the reopening of the tunnel for service, with updates on the situation potentially impacting travel plans and schedules.
