Emergency Rescue During Funeral Meal in Austria
A funeral gathering in Stinatz, Burgenland, turned into an emergency scene on Thursday, April 30, 2026, after a fire erupted in a restaurant kitchen, leaving five people injured and forcing a dramatic rescue operation.
The incident occurred at Gasthaus Krčmarovi during a meal held in honor of the grandmother of Thomas Stipsits, a prominent cabaret artist, actor and author. According to early reports, the fire originated from a fryer in the kitchen. The restaurant’s proprietor reportedly attempted to extinguish the flames himself, during which he suffered smoke inhalation.
As thick smoke filled the building, guests were forced to evacuate immediately. While those on the ground floor were able to exit through the main entrances, several individuals became trapped on the upper level due to heavy smoke in the stairwell. Firefighters wearing heavy breathing apparatus were required to rescue three people from the first floor using ladders.
Among those rescued was the 96-year-old mother of the senior innkeeper, the oldest resident of Stinatz. In total, five people were transported to the hospital, including the three rescued guests and two firefighters. Officials later confirmed that the injured firefighters were in stable condition.
The emergency response was extensive, with seven regional fire departments deploying 12 vehicles and approximately 80 personnel to the scene. The fire was brought under control, and the “all clear” was given after about 30 minutes.
The tragedy adds a layer of grief to an already difficult time for Stipsits, who shared a deep and intimate bond with his grandmother. He had previously paid tribute to her in his “Stinatz-Krimis” series and had recently cancelled all professional appearances to mourn her passing. This event underscores the profound impact of the loss on the artist and the close-knit community of Stinatz.
