The fatal incident took place at approximately 8:20 AM local time on Thursday in Salzburg, Austria, at an unguarded railway crossing. According to multiple reports, the car was struck at a level crossing at Pabing, near Nussdorf am Haunsberg. Manninger was alone in his vehicle when the collision occurred. First responders freed Manninger from his vehicle after it was dragged several meters, but efforts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful. The train driver and around 25 passengers were unharmed in the collision.
An investigation by the public prosecutor is ongoing into the cause of the accident. Multiple reports indicate that electronic data from Manninger's Volkswagen minivan could be analyzed as part of the probe. The red signal at the level crossing is set to be examined to learn whether it was operational at the right time, according to multiple reports. What caused the accident at the railway crossing remains unclear, and it is not yet known whether the red signal was functioning properly. Preliminary findings from the ongoing investigation have not been released, and the exact circumstances leading to the collision are still being determined. Besides the train driver and passengers, it is unknown if there were any other witnesses to the accident.
The news of Alexander Manninger's death is deeply shocking. With him, football loses a special person. In this difficult time, our sincere condolences go to his family, his friends, and all who were close to him.
Football clubs expressed shock and condolences following the news. Arsenal expressed shock and deep sorrow over Manninger's death. Austria Salzburg offered sympathies on social media, according to the club. According to Juventus, the club described Manninger as 'a man of rare values' and expressed condolences. Red Bull Salzburg and Liverpool issued statements mourning Manninger's loss, according to reports. The Austrian Football Association stated, 'The news of Alexander Manninger's death is deeply shocking. With him, football loses a special person. In this difficult time, our sincere condolences go to his family, his friends, and all who were close to him.'
Manninger was Arsenal's backup goalkeeper between 1997 and 2002, during which he made a significant impact. According to multiple reports, Manninger was the first Austrian player to star in the Premier League. According to BBC Sport, a former Arsenal teammate described celebrating with Manninger after beating West Ham on penalties in an FA Cup replay in 1998. Research indicates that Manninger saved penalties in a shootout victory over West Ham in the 1997-98 FA Cup. Research also shows that Manninger earned the Premier League Player of the Month award in March of the 1997-98 season.
A former Arsenal teammate recalls celebrating with Manninger after beating West Ham on penalties in an FA Cup replay in 1998.
Internationally, Manninger played 33 international matches for Austria and was part of Austria's Euro 2008 squad. His career spanned multiple European clubs after his time at Arsenal. Manninger later played for Torino, Siena, Red Bull Salzburg, Udinese, and Augsburg. According to multiple reports, Manninger won the Scudetto with Juventus. He ended his career at Liverpool in 2017. Gianluigi Buffon wrote a tribute to Manninger on Instagram, according to the former teammate. According to BBC Sport, a former Arsenal teammate described Manninger impressing with his work ethic in the gym during pre-season.
The train passengers involved in the collision were unharmed, with the train driver and around 25 passengers escaping injury. This aspect of the incident has provided some relief amid the tragedy, though the focus remains on the loss of the former footballer. The investigation continues to piece together the events of that morning, with authorities examining both vehicle data and crossing signals. As the football world mourns, Manninger's legacy as a pioneering Austrian in the Premier League and a respected professional across Europe is being remembered. Manninger's death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from across the football community, highlighting his impact both on and off the pitch. The accident serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers at unguarded railway crossings, with safety measures under scrutiny in the ongoing investigation. Manninger's family has requested privacy during this difficult time, as friends and former teammates share memories of his dedication and character.
Manninger impressed the teammate with his work ethic in the gym during pre-season.