Hundreds of asylum seekers arrive at Vienna railway station

The arrival of hundreds of asylum seekers at the Vienna Westbahnhof railway station on Monday evening has led to chaotic scenes.

The refugees had arrived at around 18:10 pm local time from trains originating in Hungary, with three platforms cleared for each of the train arrivals.

Police were at the scene along with a number of volunteers who distributed fruit and water to the refugees who were said to be exhausted.

Despite a large contingent of police forces the numbers of arrivals were at first overwhelming, with no inspections conducted initially and an exact number of persons unavailable, police spokesperson Roman Hahslinger indicating there were however "hundreds."

He said those who wished to apply for asylum within Austria would have their case handled appropriately by authorities, though those who wished to travel elsewhere in Europe not in possession of a Schengen visa would be returned to Hungary.

A number of protestors bearing signs with slogans such as "No Border, No Nation," and "Refugees Welcome" were also present at the Westbahnhof station.

Source: XINHUA