A special U1 subway train caught fire in Vienna on November 19, 2024, between the Taubstummengasse and Südtiroler Platz stations during rush hour. While the train was empty, five people sustained minor injuries, and the driver was hospitalized for observation.
An 81-page report by the Sicherheitsuntersuchungsstelle des Bundes (SUB) found an insulation defect caused a short circuit. The main circuit breaker failed to trigger because maintenance intervals were not followed according to the manufacturer's manual.
The incident caused 2.7 million Euro in infrastructure damage and the loss of a Silberpfeil train. Wiener Linien has since updated maintenance checklists, inspected all similar trains for cable damage, and provided staff with additional technical training.