Damage from storm front Dozens injured, trucks blown over, power poles knocked over

A severe storm system swept through parts of western and northwestern Switzerland on Friday morning, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and large hailstones that caused widespread damage and injuries. The storm, which was part of a powerful weather front, led to dozens of injuries, overturned trucks, and snapped power poles, according to reports from local authorities and emergency services. The most affected areas included the cantons of Zurich, Solothurn, and Aargau. In Zurich, more than 40 individuals were injured by large hailstones, including children. In Solothurn, one person was seriously hurt after being struck by a fallen tree. In Aargau, several power poles collapsed, causing a major power outage in multiple communities. The storm continued into the evening, with further thunderstorms reported in some regions. Emergency crews responded to over 240 damaged locations across the region, with more than 40 fire departments deployed. In Birrfeld, the storm pushed four massive concrete pylons of a high-voltage transmission line to the ground. Two of these structures crashed into a commercial building and a sports hall, causing significant damage. Power cuts followed in several towns as a result of the incident. Axpo, a major energy provider, reported multiple disruptions and damages to its network infrastructure due to the storm. The worst-hit area was the Lower Aare Valley in Aargau. Eight concrete pylons along the A1 motorway near Birrhard collapsed under the force of the wind. One pylon damaged a leisure hall, while another hit a commercial building. In Henggart, Zurich, a tree fell onto a power line, leading to a brief power interruption. On the high-voltage line between Ebnat and Herblingen, a similar incident occurred, resulting in a 20-minute power outage. On the A1 motorway in Birrfeld, the storm knocked over a truck, which collided with a nearby delivery van. Both drivers remained unhurt despite the collision. Emergency personnel quickly attended to the scene and ensured traffic was cleared. Images captured by local media showed the extent of the damage, with vehicles crushed or partially buried under debris. In Solothurn, the police received around 290 calls related to water ingress and wind damage. A 42-year-old woman was severely injured when a tree fell on her in Erlinsbach. She was transported to a hospital by rescue teams. Throughout the day, local firefighters worked continuously, responding to approximately 180 incidents involving water damage in buildings. Strong winds were responsible for uprooting trees and damaging roofs, particularly in the districts of Lebern, Olten, and Gösgen. Insurance companies have begun reporting the scale of the damage. The Mobiliar insurance company described the event as the worst hailstorm of the year so far. By midday, the insurer had received over 1,000 vehicle-related claims, along with numerous reports of flooded basements and damage to gardens and surrounding areas. These numbers are expected to rise significantly. Vehicles suffered extensive damage, with front, rear, and side windows shattered by the hail. The Allianz Suisse has also noted the impact of the severe weather, though specific figures have not yet been released. Local authorities continue to assess the situation and coordinate efforts to restore essential services and support affected residents.