Fire Brigade Recovers Stranded Articulated Lorry in Steinakirchen

The volunteer fire brigade of Steinakirchen responded to an incident involving a heavy articulated lorry that left the roadway on a municipal road between Knolling and Zehetgrub. The event occurred on a Wednesday morning and required coordinated recovery efforts due to adverse road conditions.

According to the fire brigade's operational report, the alert was triggered shortly after 8 a.m. following difficulties encountered by a lorry driver navigating the Schullerberg ascent. The vehicle, a fully loaded articulated lorry weighing approximately 30 tonnes, lost traction on the slippery surface despite the use of auxiliary chains. The compromised grip led the vehicle to veer off the roadway, necessitating immediate intervention to avoid further risk or potential obstruction of local traffic.

The Steinakirchen fire brigade deployed three vehicles and a team of eight personnel to the scene. The recovery operation leveraged specialized equipment, including two powerful winches mounted on a heavy-duty rescue vehicle (HLF3) and a Unimog utility vehicle. The team secured the lorry and initiated a controlled pull to return the vehicle to stable ground. Safety protocols were strictly observed throughout the operation to protect both the responders and the vehicle operator.

Once the lorry was repositioned on the roadway, the brigade utilized a towing bar in conjunction with the HLF3 vehicle to assist the lorry in ascending the remaining incline. The assistance enabled the heavy vehicle to regain enough momentum and traction to continue its route independently once the critical section was cleared. The entire operation lasted approximately ninety minutes from deployment to completion, minimizing disruption to local traffic and ensuring road safety was promptly restored.

No injuries were reported as a result of the incident, and the lorry sustained no significant damage thanks to the swift and professional response. The fire brigade emphasized the importance of caution when navigating challenging weather and road conditions, particularly in areas prone to ice or reduced traction.

This successful recovery highlights the readiness and capability of local emergency services in managing incidents involving commercial vehicles and maintaining vital transport routes during winter months. The Steinakirchen fire brigade continues to urge commercial drivers to equip their vehicles appropriately and remain vigilant under adverse conditions to prevent similar occurrences.

The response and coordination demonstrated during this incident reflect the ongoing commitment of the Steinakirchen fire brigade to public safety and efficient emergency management within the region.