A taxi driver and her passenger were injured Monday evening, February 16, 2026, after a vehicle ended up in a creek in Schlins, Vorarlberg, Austria. The incident, which occurred around 8:13 p.m. Local time, is under investigation, and highlights the potential dangers faced by taxi drivers and passengers alike.
Taxi Plunges into Creek
According to reports, the 54-year-old driver had just dropped off a 42-year-old man in Schlins and was maneuvering the taxi to turn around when the passenger unexpectedly opened the driver’s side door. The man was then pulled under the vehicle and dragged several meters.
The driver, startled by the incident, lost control of the taxi, which left the road and plunged into the Vermülsbach creek, approximately six meters below. The 42-year-old man became trapped under the vehicle, even as the driver was ejected and also landed in the creek bed.
Passersby witnessed the accident and immediately alerted emergency services, providing initial first aid to both individuals. The passenger sustained serious injuries, and the taxi driver suffered minor injuries. Both were transported to hospitals for further treatment. The taxi sustained total damage.
Emergency responders included the Schlins Fire Department with four vehicles and 40 personnel, the Nenzing Fire Department with four vehicles and 40 personnel, two ambulances, a medical emergency vehicle, an emergency operations vehicle, and the Federal Police with two vehicles and four officers. Those seeking taxi services in the Bludenz area can find options through Uber, which connects riders with licensed drivers according to their website. Travel options between Bludenz and Schlins are also available via train and bus as detailed on rome2rio.com. Additional taxi services can be found in Schlins according to Yelp.
