Three Teenagers Injured in Car Crash in Upper Austria

In the late hours of Saturday, a serious car accident involving five teenagers occurred in St. Lorenz near Mondsee in the Vöcklabruck district of Upper Austria. The vehicle, occupied by five adolescents, was completely destroyed after colliding with a stone wall, resulting in injuries to three of the occupants.

According to local authorities, the accident took place on a municipal road when a 17-year-old driver lost control of the car. The vehicle reportedly began to skid and struck a stone wall with significant force. The impact propelled the car across the road, where it subsequently hit a tree and a garden wall. Emergency services reported that the force of the collision was so severe that both the garden wall and the tree were knocked down. One of the car's wheels was dislodged and thrown into a nearby creek bed due to the impact.

Despite the severity of the crash, all five teenagers managed to exit the wrecked vehicle on their own before emergency responders arrived. The 17-year-old driver, who was undertaking a supervised driving exercise as part of Austria's L17 license program, sustained minor injuries. A 15-year-old girl seated in the rear of the car was also lightly injured. Another 17-year-old passenger, who was seated in the front, required medical attention and was transported to a nearby hospital by ambulance due to his injuries. The remaining two female passengers, both aged 15, were reported to be unharmed.

Local fire and rescue teams responded promptly to the scene to secure the area and provide assistance. The damaged vehicle and debris from the accident, including the dislodged wheel, were cleared from the road and surrounding area. Authorities also conducted an alcohol test on the driver, which confirmed that he had not consumed any alcohol prior to the incident.

The accident highlights the risks associated with novice drivers and the importance of adhering to all safety protocols during training drives. Investigations into the precise cause of the accident are ongoing, but initial reports suggest that loss of control at an inappropriate speed may have contributed to the incident. Authorities are expected to review the circumstances to determine any necessary follow-up actions or recommendations for young drivers and their supervisors.

The municipal road where the accident occurred was temporarily closed to allow for the emergency response and cleanup operations but has since been reopened. No other vehicles were involved in the crash, and there were no reported injuries to bystanders or residents in the vicinity.

This incident serves as a reminder for all drivers, especially those in training, to exercise caution and remain vigilant behind the wheel, particularly when traveling with multiple passengers. Local officials have reiterated the importance of road safety education and the value of supervised driving experience for young motorists.