Coaster mishap during summer ride at 50 km/h leaves a child hurt
In Schönau, approximately 50 kilometers northeast of Linz, a ten-year-old girl was severely injured in an accident on a summer toboggan run. The accident occurred on the so-called Speed Slide, a popular attraction that leads about 600 meters down into the valley.
The girl was thrown five meters away and suffered injuries of unknown severity. The man riding with his six-year-old son on the run was involved in the collision, which occurred at the end of the track. The man stated that his brakes had failed, a claim that is currently under investigation by the public prosecutor's office in Linz.
The nature of the girl's injuries remains unknown in the report. The second vehicle involved in the collision was traveling at 40 to 50 kilometers per hour. The track does not run in a groove or on wide rails, but on an aluminum pipe, a common feature of summer toboggan runs.
Summer toboggan runs typically use hand brakes on individual carts for speed control and stopping. Reports from similar alpine toboggan runs indicate that if brakes fail or are not used properly, serious accidents can occur. These incidents have led to calls for stricter safety oversight and potential closures if multiple police reports occur.
Manufacturers and operators generally emphasize safety features such as reliable hand brake systems on carts, clear signage warning riders about the risk and the need for brake use, and operational oversight to ensure carts and brake mechanisms are properly maintained. Common safety practices for alpine sports include control of speed, prohibition of operation under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and respect and adherence to posted safety instructions.
In the case of a known brake failure accident on the Speed Slide, authorities would likely investigate the maintenance routine, safety inspection compliance, and operator training. Though no formal Austrian national standard for summer toboggan safety is detailed, European amusement ride safety directives and general public liability laws would apply, requiring risk assessment and mitigation by the operators.
For up-to-date, specific regulations or changes following any particular accident, local Austrian tourism or safety regulatory agencies, or the operator of the Speed Slide, would be the authoritative sources. Public user reports reference multiple incidents and express concerns about insufficient enforcement, but official responses or changes in regulations are not documented in the excerpts provided.
The summer toboggan run resumed operation on Friday, following the accident. The investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing.
Despite the ongoing investigation by the public prosecutor's office in Linz, the general public remains concerned about the safety of the Speed Slide, following a recent accident that involved a ten-year-old girl and a man riding with his six-year-old son. This accident, which occurred at the end of the track, has led to calls for stricter safety oversight in the realm of crime-and-justice and general-news, as similar incidents in the sports sector have highlighted the potential for serious accidents when brakes fail. The track's operation resumed after the accident, but local Austrian tourism or safety regulatory agencies may provide updates on any specific regulations or changes following the investigation.
