June 7, 2026, 5:41 p.m
The shuttle bus from Wattwil to Hemberg is well staffed in Wattwil. Families with children are also among the passengers. They all want to go to the mountain race that is taking place this weekend. For example Patrick Zuberbühler from Toggenburg with his wife, daughter and son. “We like to see it and hear it, and the mountain race is a nearby event,” says Patrick Zuberbühler. The parking lot at the Weier stop is half full and the shuttle bus is completely full.
Racing cars are parked on many forecourts and the drivers or their helpers sit at tables and chat. Children and adults marvel at the cars. A man from Hemberg praises the peaceful atmosphere at the Hemberg mountain race. He carries the toddler on his back, who is sleeping blissfully.
A group sits on the steps of the Protestant church. Michael Grob says that he always comes to Hemberg and also attends other mountain races, such as at Gurnigel or in Hallau. Mayor Christian Gertsch is standing on Scherbstrasse. He is also happy about the good atmosphere and the many spectators.
The accident happened shortly after midday
Spectator area 1 is located on the slope towards Bächli. He attracts a large audience. Some are sitting on the lawn. Others have made themselves at home with bath towels or folding chairs, with the finish line in sight. Children lick soft ice cream. Soon one car after the other races along Bächlistrasse towards Hemberg. The speaker is obviously well prepared. He talks his mouth off and knows something to say about every starter.
12:05 p.m. A driver loses control of his car. In a gentle left-hand bend it breaks out below spectator area 1 and crashes into the right-hand barrier. Helpers and paramedics rush to the scene of the accident. An ambulance arrives, later the fire department. The driver is rescued. Paramedics put an infusion into the victim, a Toggenburger.
After a quarter of an hour the helicopter arrives
After a quarter of an hour, which felt like much longer, a Rega helicopter landed. Many spectators realize that it could take a while to continue, and the queues at food stalls are growing quickly. Helpers improvise a privacy screen.
by Martin Knoepfel
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The injured driver had to be transported away by Rega helicopter. (Image: Martin Knoepfel)
When the speaker announces that the accident victim can be contacted, there is spontaneous applause. The mood still seems depressed. The helicopter takes off again at 12.45 p.m. Shortly after half past one the competition continues.
Sandra, Andrea and Joel are taking part in the mountain race in Hemberg for the first time. “We were just in the mood,” they say, not letting their joy be spoiled. They hope that the driver involved in the accident is doing well, but also say that every participant is aware of the risks.
by Niklas Thalmann
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The atmosphere at the Hemberg mountain race is, as always, peaceful and great. (Image: Niklas Thalmann)
OK is happy about a record number of participants
In its initial assessment, the OK speaks of a great weekend with almost 9,000 visitors. The 215 drivers also represented a new participant record and at the same time represented a great reward for the extensive work in the background.
The OC cannot yet say whether this year’s mountain race will end in the black. In the late afternoon there was no new information about the condition of the driver involved in the accident. Otherwise there were no unusual incidents, according to the OC.
by Niklas Thalmann
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The numerous visitors marvel at the diverse, colorful racing cars. (Image: Niklas Thalmann)
