A chaotic scene unfolded on the Küniglberg in Vienna on Tuesday morning. A truck driver attempted to drive into the ORF center and threatened a bomb, according to Austrian media reports. The police were able to stop the man and take him into custody in a timely manner.
The threat prompted a large-scale police response. The FM4 radio station was temporarily taken off the air and the TV show “Guten Morgen Österreich” was interrupted. A security perimeter was established and buildings in the surrounding area were evacuated.
“Currently, the search of the vehicle is underway. For security reasons, a larger cordon has been set up and buildings within this area have been evacuated” the Vienna Police Department stated on social media.
The public transportation system was also affected, with street closures and delays causing congestion and disruptions. Neighbors described the situation as tense.
“The whole area is cordoned off. A drone is standing in our alley” said an eyewitness.
The investigation is ongoing, with no official statements yet made on the driver’s motives. The ORF initially described the incident as a “technical disruption” but later made no further comments.
Security personnel remain on the scene to monitor the situation and further information is expected to be released throughout the day.