Emergency services conduct large-scale crisis exercises across Austria and Germany

Emergency services and local authorities in Austria and Germany are conducting various large-scale crisis simulations to test response capabilities for major emergencies.

In Austria, the Combined Success 2026 exercise is taking place in Carinthia, involving district authorities and emergency responders. In Villach, scenarios include a simulated earthquake, a gas leak at Infineon Technologies Austria AG, and a bus rescue on the Dobratsch mountain. Additionally, Vienna Airport conducted a nighttime drill involving 260 participants to simulate a freight train fire in a railway tunnel, requiring the evacuation of 50 passengers. On the A5 motorway near Wilfersdorf, emergency services are also performing rescue and vehicle recovery drills.

In Germany, the Lobdeburg Tunnel on the A4 near Jena is undergoing a full closure for a major exercise. Fire departments and rescue services are simulating a vehicle fire with multiple casualties to improve inter-agency coordination and prepare for upcoming tunnel renovations scheduled for 2028 and 2029.