A 55-year-old groundsman has died after slipping into a pond while mowing grass on a steep slope at the Red Bull Ring racing circuit.
The fatal accident occurred in the town of Spielberg in the Austrian province of Styria at around 8 AM local time on Wednesday, 28th May.
The man, from the nearby district of Leoben, was operating a motor scythe when he lost his footing and tumbled approximately 7 metres (23 feet) into a water retention basin on the circuit's property.
Shocked colleagues witnessed the incident and immediately raised the alarm.
Picture shows the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria, undated. Note: Image is a screenshot from video. (Newsflash/NX)
One coworker and a responding police officer both jumped into the pond to try to save him.
Rescue efforts were hampered by the murky water, and the man could not be found until specialist divers from the Apfelberg Volunteer Fire Department arrived.
Emergency teams attempted to resuscitate him but he was declared dead at the scene.
The retention basin is designed to manage excess water and is around 7 metres (23 feet) deep.
The Red Cross deployed a crisis intervention team to support the victim’s traumatised co-workers.
Police have launched an investigation into the incident.
The Red Bull Ring is one of the most iconic motorsport venues in Europe, hosting the Austrian Grand Prix as part of the Formula One World Championship.
The circuit has welcomed some of the world’s greatest drivers, including Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel, and Max Verstappen, whose fierce battles have become part of its modern legacy.
Formerly known as the Oesterreichring and later the A1-Ring, the track underwent a major renovation before being reopened in 2011 under the Red Bull brand.
The Red Bull Ring is known for its stunning alpine views, high-speed straights, and challenging corners that test even the most experienced racers.
It has also been the scene of dramatic moments, including a spectacular airborne crash in a Formula 3 race that highlighted the ever-present risks in motorsport.
(MJ Leidig/newsX)