Three Injured in B178 Collision Near Lofer, Austria

A serious traffic accident involving a car, a truck, and another vehicle occurred on February 16, 2026, on the B178 Loferer Straße, near the border between Salzburg and Tyrol, Austria. The incident resulted in three injuries, with one individual requiring extrication from their vehicle. Authorities have determined the cause of the crash involved a failed overtaking maneuver.

Details of the Accident

The accident took place shortly after 6:00 AM on Monday, February 16, 2026, on the B178 between Lofer (Pinzgau) and Waidring. According to the Tyrolean Police, a 21-year-old Serbian driver attempted to overtake another vehicle in Waidring. The driver misjudged the distance to an oncoming car driven by a 63-year-old Austrian citizen, resulting in a side collision.

The impact caused the 21-year-old’s vehicle to veer off the road and into a ditch. The 63-year-old’s car subsequently spun out of control and collided head-on with a truck driven by a 59-year-old Austrian. Firefighters were required to free the 63-year-old, who was trapped in his vehicle.

Injuries and Response

The 63-year-old Austrian sustained serious injuries and was transported to the shock room of the St. Johann in Tirol district hospital for treatment. The 21-year-old Serbian driver and the 59-year-old Austrian truck driver sustained minor injuries and were taken to the hospital in Zell am See. A fourth individual involved in the incident was reportedly uninjured.

Emergency services, including the fire department, the Red Cross, and the police, responded to the scene. Forces from both Tyrol and Salzburg were deployed, including a team from St. Martin bei Lofer. A total of three ambulances, an emergency medical vehicle, and an operations manager were dispatched.

Traffic Disruption

The B178 was completely closed in the area of the accident from approximately 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM, causing significant delays for commuters. Traffic was rerouted during the rescue operation and police investigation. The road fully reopened to traffic around 8:00 AM.

Investigation

Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident. Initial reports indicate that the failed overtaking maneuver was the primary cause of the collision.

Sources: Salzburg24, SN.at, meinbezirk.at