Storm in Wels, Austria Topples Tree, Lantern Injures 74-Year-Old Guest

A strong storm hit the Grünbachplatz area of Wels on the evening of 31 July 2026. High winds caused a mature tree to fall in a local outdoor café. As the tree collapsed, it pulled down a street lantern that struck a 74‑year‑old man seated in the garden. Police and emergency services arrived shortly after 20:45, provided first‑aid on site, and then transferred the victim to Klinikum Wels. He suffered only minor injuries and was released after treatment.

The Landespolizeidirektion Oberösterreich confirmed the incident, noting that the weather conditions were the primary cause of the tree’s failure.