Following the severe trolleybus accident in Salzburg, the name of the dead has finally been confirmed: B&R’s CEO, Florian Schneeberger, is 55 years old.
A medical issue behind the wheel is thought to have caused a catastrophic collision in Salzburg-Itzling on Monday. A trolleybus went off the road and collided with the entryway of a Billa Plus shop. The devastating consequences: two critically injured, five mildly hurt, and one dead.
The bus driver, who lost control of the vehicle due to a medical issue, underwent emergency surgery and is currently in serious condition in intensive care.
Florian Schneeberger, 55, is now known to have died. The Upper Austria native most recently served as CEO of Eggelsberg-based automation expert B&R Industrial Automation.
The globally active corporation also has a facility in Salzburg, near the accident site. “After consulting with the company, we unfortunately have to confirm this,” stated Eggelsberg’s mayor, Josef Maislinger.
“B&R and ABB mourn the death of Florian Schneeberger, Division President of Machine Automation (B&R), who was killed in an accident in Salzburg, Austria, on April 20, 2026. Florian was a highly respected colleague, friend, and CEO. He oversaw the Machine Automation Division with considerable commitment, technical enthusiasm, and skill. His passing is terribly difficult for us. “Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time,” according to the company’s statement.
Schneeberger also became well-known as a sailor. He competed in the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta alongside Andreas Hagara, and the Austrians almost lost out on bronze in the Tornado class by one point.
