Frojach: Motorist seriously injured in frontal collision

A severe traffic accident occurred on the Murtal Street (B96) near Frojach in the municipality of Teufenbach-Katsch, district of Murau, resulting in one driver suffering life-threatening injuries. The incident took place on Wednesday afternoon, with three individuals injured in the collision. A 63-year-old car driver sustained critical wounds and was transported via helicopter emergency services to a hospital in Klagenfurt. Two other women were lightly injured and received treatment at the hospital in Friesach. The crash happened shortly before 2.30 p.m., when the 63-year-old man was driving his vehicle from Murau towards Scheifling on the B96. In the area of Frojach, he veered onto the opposite lane for reasons still under investigation and collided head-on with another vehicle driven by a 61-year-old woman, also from the district of Murau. She was accompanied by a 90-year-old passenger, both of whom reportedly suffered minor injuries and were taken to the hospital by the Red Cross. Emergency responders had to free the 63-year-old man from his vehicle, who was trapped inside. Due to the severity of his injuries, he was flown by the rescue helicopter “Christophorus 14” to the KABEG Clinic in Klagenfurt. The police conducted an alcohol test with the 61-year-old driver, which came back negative. However, ongoing investigations are examining whether the 63-year-old might have been under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident. A blood sample has been collected for further analysis. The cause of the accident remains unclear. Authorities are currently working to determine the exact circumstances leading to the collision. The road was closed in the area of the accident until 4.50 p.m., with local detours set up to manage traffic flow. Several police units from Scheifling and Murau were on site, alongside the Red Cross in Murau and volunteer fire departments from Niederwölz and Katsch. The accident highlights the potential dangers of sudden lane changes and the importance of maintaining focus while driving. The involvement of multiple emergency services underscores the complexity and urgency of the situation. As the investigation continues, more information about the incident is expected to emerge. The condition of the injured parties will be closely monitored as they receive medical care.