The Rhaetian Railway (RhB) has inaugurated two new fire and rescue vehicles (LöReF) for use in the Vereina tunnel in eastern Switzerland.
Developed by Müller Technologie, the new vehicles were handed over to the local fire brigades at a special event this week.
A fire engine and rescue vehicle will be stationed at each end of the tunnel: Selfranga in the north and Sagliains in the south.
In the event of an incident, the Klosters-Serneus and Zernez fire brigade bases will be alerted to immediately go to the portal stations, where the new vehicles can be ready within five minutes.
Both vehicles have a low-bed wagon with an identical driver’s cab at both ends, a Power-Pac, and drive and trailer bogies.
Each fire engine (LöF) has a 25,000 litre temperature-controlled water tank and material cupboards with space for all the necessary firefighting equipment.
They each have a crew room with seating for 12 firefighters carrying respiratory protection equipment. Four further team members can also travel in the vehicles’ cabs.
Each rescue vehicle (ReF) is capable of transporting up to 100 people out of a danger zone to safety.
A walk-in material room provides space for any necessary rescue and first aid equipment, plus each vehicle has enough fuel and oxygen for two shuttle rides.
This means that up to 200 people can be evacuated from a danger zone per rescue vehicle and side.
