As reported by the state police headquarters in Vorarlberg, a gas bubble was drilled under a new residential complex at a depth of up to 130 meters around 2:55 pm. Evacuation and blocking measures were immediately taken. A drill had to be taken to hospital with suspected gas poisoning.
An unknown amount of gas and a mixture of water and sediment escaped as the drill pipes were pulled, police said. When the amount of gas decreased, it was decided to close the well with concrete.
Due to continued positive gas readings, the ordered evacuation of three adjacent residential buildings has been extended overnight. Six people were accommodated in hotels. In addition to 80 firefighters, 17 paramedics, 21 police officers and five officers from security guard Lustenau, a police helicopter was also deployed.
(SDA)