Three injured in crash at Vienna’s Prater amusement park, popular with Croatians

Two cars crashed 16 meters above the ground on the Wild Mouse roller coaster at Vienna’s Prater amusement park, leaving five passengers trapped in the ride’s elevated section.

The collision occurred at about 7:30 p.m. on Monday, after one car apparently stopped suddenly and the car behind it struck it. The passengers included two adults and three children. Police said two adults and one child were injured.

Eight fire engines and 33 members of Vienna’s professional fire brigade took part in the rescue. Firefighters used turntable ladders and a telescopic platform to bring the injured passengers down before handing them to emergency medical staff. They received treatment at the scene and did not need hospital transport. The two children in the second car were also brought to the ground and handed over to their parents after being cared for and reassured.

The operation continued until 9 p.m. The authority responsible for the ride then ordered a temporary suspension of the Wild Mouse. Its cars remained at the accident site while the investigation continued. The ride’s operator told media that its latest inspection took place at the end of July 2026.

Investigators are examining why the first car stopped and whether the attraction can operate safely. The ride will remain closed until its operational safety is confirmed. The incident follows another Prater accident in April, when five people were injured after a carriage on the historic wooden roller coaster known as the Dwarf Railway allegedly derailed because the driver was traveling too fast. Two of those injured were hospitalized.

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The responsible authority has issued an order temporarily banning operation of the Wild Mouse.