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Slovak among victims of Vienna fire

Police have identified one of the victims found in the burnt out premises of an empty building in Favoriten, Vienna on Friday.

Published: 5 October 2015 12:11 CEST
Slovak among victims of Vienna fire
Photo: MA 68 Lichtbildstelle

The man was a Slovakian whose fingerprints were held on a police database as he had a criminal record. “We know he was a Slovak citizen but we are still looking into his background,” police spokesman Paul Eidenberger told Radio Wien.

The identities of the other four victims are still not known. They were between 17 and 35 years old, and one was a woman.

It’s also not clear what caused the fire in the former bar and restaurant, although police have said that there was no evidence of foul play. An old solid fuel burner was found in the ruins of building.

Police had previously speculated that the bodies might be those of homeless people who had been sheltering in the building.

CRIME

UPDATED: Vienna police investigating possible ‘threat’ to Donau Zentrum shopping centre

The Viennese police have confirmed they are investigating a possible - and unspecified - threat to the popular shopping centre in the city's 22nd district.

Published: 29 April 2024 17:32 CEST
UPDATED: Vienna police investigating possible 'threat' to Donau Zentrum shopping centre

The Vienna police confirmed they are investigating a non-specified threat to the Donau Zentrum shopping centre, located in the Austrian capital’s 22nd district, a spokesperson told The Local. 

On Monday, pictures of an alleged internal document sent by the shopping centre to tenants circulated on social media and messaging apps. The document stated there was a “threat against the Westfield Donau Zentrum for April 30, 2024”. It stated that the authorities had been working to identify suspects since yesterday.

“The source of the threat is a photo circulating online”, the statement said without giving further details. “If we receive additional information or specifications, we will immediately inform you”, it added.

“There is currently no reason for you as an employee to worry as we are strictly following police guidelines”, the document said. It was signed by a manager of the shopping centre. The Local reached out to Donau Zentrum media representatives, who confirmed a threat against the centre.

“The Center Management of Westfield Donau Zentrum can confirm a threat against the center and is in ongoing communication with the relevant authorities. We are taking the situation seriously. The safety of everyone in the center is our top priority. After coordination with the authorities, the center will be open as usual today”, they said.

The Vienna police confirmed the veracity of the statement and added, “We are aware of the matter and are investigating,” they replied after an inquiry on their official social media channels. The Local reached out to the press office for further clarification but has not yet received a response.

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