Story perspectives

Today in History: Natascha Kampusch escapes after eight years captivity

8/23/2026

28 5

Summary

Story summary

On 23 August 2006, ten-year-old Natascha Kampusch, kidnapped in Vienna in 1998, fled the cellar where Wolfgang Priklopil had confined her for 3,096 days in Strasshof an der Nordbahn. Her escape prompted Priklopil’s suicide by train, ending one of Europe’s longest known infamous abductions.

1 of 1

Story summary

On 23 August 2006, ten-year-old Natascha Kampusch, kidnapped in Vienna in 1998, fled the cellar where Wolfgang Priklopil had confined her for 3,096 days in Strasshof an der Nordbahn. Her escape prompted Priklopil’s suicide by train, ending one of Europe’s longest known infamous abductions.