Police Give All Clear After Major Operation Shuts Vienna’s Main Train Station Due to ‘Unspecified Threat’
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Loading... - Albert Claasen
- 04 Mar 2025
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Vienna's main train station, Wien Hauptbahnhof, was evacuated following an unspecified threat that led to a significant police operation. Authorities acted quickly to ensure the safety of passengers and staff, resulting in the temporary closure of this major transportation hub.
According to a Reuters witness, the police conducted thorough investigations at the station, which necessitated the evacuation of all individuals present. Shortly after the operation, the national rail company, OBB, confirmed that trains were once again running, although they cautioned passengers to expect continued delays and cancellations. "Good news! Our trains are running again at Vienna main station. Please expect continued delays and train cancellations," OBB announced on X (formerly Twitter).
While the police did not provide specific details about the nature of the threat, tabloid newspaper Heute reported that it was a bomb threat. Austrian daily Der Standard indicated that the threats were allegedly received via email, but authorities did not disclose any information regarding the sender.
This incident follows a series of empty bomb threats that Austria experienced last year, which led to similar evacuations at larger train stations and caused significant disruptions to train services. In a statement on X, the police confirmed, "A large police operation is underway at Vienna's main station. After an incoming threat, the station is being evacuated," urging the public to avoid unnecessary trips to the area.
As part of the emergency response, other forms of public transport connected to the station, including underground, tram, and bus services, were also halted. Screens within the station displayed urgent messages instructing people to "Please leave the building immediately! ALARM," according to local media reports. The OBB app had indicated that no journeys were expected to be possible until at least 6 PM local time.
After a thorough investigation, the police ultimately gave the all-clear, allowing normal operations to resume at Wien Hauptbahnhof. However, the incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing security challenges faced by public transport systems and the importance of swift action in response to potential threats.
