A Lower Austrian man died in a house fire in Pottendorf (Baden district) on Sunday. The victim is believed to be a physically impaired 53-year-old man, but his identity has not yet been fully confirmed, said police spokesman Stefan Loidl in response to an APA inquiry. An autopsy has been ordered. A 71-year-old woman managed to escape from the building in time and sought help from neighbours.

Residential Fire in Pottendorf Claims Life

The emergency services were alerted on Sunday around 5.30 am. Upon the arrival of the rescuers, the house in the Landegg district of Pottendorf was already fully ablaze. The man could only be recovered dead, reported the Lower Austrian State Police Directorate. The 71-year-old pensioner and partner of the 53-year-old was taken to the Baden State Hospital on suspicion of smoke inhalation.

Difficult Firefighting: Blinds Had to Be Broken Open

According to the fire brigade, the firefighting efforts were difficult because numerous blinds had to be broken open at the windows to reach the source of the fire inside the house. Shortly after 11.00 am, the fire was declared extinguished. Investigations into the cause have been initiated. The investigations are being conducted by officers of the Lower Austrian State Criminal Police Office and the Federal Criminal Police Office.

(APA/Red)

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