Worker Injured by Falling Rock at Brenner Base Tunnel Construction Site

On Thursday afternoon, a 33-year-old worker sustained injuries at a construction site for the Brenner Base Tunnel (BBT) in Steinach am Brenner, located in the Innsbruck-Land district of Tyrol. The incident occurred when a large rock, measuring approximately one meter in size and weighing between 200 to 300 kilograms, fell from the wall and struck him on the head and upper body.

According to police reports, the worker was involved in his duties as a blasting technician in the eastern-southern section of the main tunnel. At the time of the accident, he was occupied with connecting existing blasting wires that had already been installed in the tunnel walls.

Emergency services responded promptly, and the injured man was transported to the Innsbruck Clinic for medical treatment. Fortunately, he was equipped with appropriate safety gear, including protective clothing, safety shoes, and a helmet, which likely mitigated the severity of his injuries.

The Brenner Base Tunnel project is a significant infrastructure endeavor aimed at improving rail connections between Austria and Italy. The construction site adheres to strict safety regulations, but incidents such as this highlight the inherent risks associated with large-scale excavation and construction work.

Authorities are expected to conduct an investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the rock's dislodgement and to ensure that additional safety measures are implemented to prevent future incidents.