Kevin Kieffer and Redon Cacaj demonstrated remarkable courage and skill

At 1.30 p.m. on 26 November 2024, a young driver near Koblenz AG veered into oncoming traffic with his Peugeot and collided head-on with a Postbus. The impact caused the Postbus to crash down the slope, coming dangerously close to sliding into the Aare. The heavy vehicle was supported by just a few bushes. PostBus driver Max Flückiger and eight passengers, including four children, were trapped inside the vehicle. Heating engineer Kevin Kieffer from Würenlingen and his apprentice Redon Cacaj were out and about for work when they came by the scene of the accident. They were faced with a terrifying scene: people injured in cars and passengers at risk in the Postbus.

Kevin and Redon acted immediately. With great courage and skill, they provided first aid, secured the Postbus, smashed the windows and rescued the injured, preventing a much worse situation from unfolding. For regional head Hansjörg Hunziker and PostBus Communication, it was clear that this decisive and selfless act deserved a nomination for the Prix Courage 2025. The jury agreed and Kevin and Redon made it to the final, with six nominees in total.

On the podium

Almost exactly one year after the accident, the Prix Courage was awarded on 25 November 2025. Mahbube Ibrahimi, who is developing an educational initiative for oppressed women in her home country of Afghanistan, ultimately won the award. Redon and Kevin made it to the final round. “The Prix Courage honours people who inspire and impress with their bold actions and courageous deeds. All the nominees stand out in this way. Congratulations to all”, said Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf, Jury President and former Federal Councillor, in her tribute.

In the TV studio

At the end of the year, the courageous efforts of Kevin Kieffer and Redon Cacaj were honoured once again. The two rescuers appeared as guests on SRF’s programme “Gredig direkt – Menschen 2025”, alongside politicians, stars and others who made headlines. These include Hazel Brugger, Emil, Nemo, Federal Councillor Martin Pfister, President of the National Council Maja Riniker, SRF Middle East correspondent Anita Bünter and the Mayor of Blatten, Matthias Bellwald.

In the fire service

Thanks to the Prix Courage, Kevin Kieffer and his apprentice Redon Cacaj can look back on an eventful year. “At the events, we were two tradespeople surrounded by celebrities. We were a bit nervous – and proud at the same time,” says Kevin. He and Redon hope that being in the public eye will encourage others to be brave and act courageously.

During their work as heating technicians, they regularly drive past the site of the accident between Koblenz and Leuggern. Kevin still remembers the horrific scene from the afternoon of 26 November 2024, as if it happened just last week. As mentor and apprentice, springing into action at the same moment and coordinating their response forged a strong bond between them. “Since then, I’ve been more patient with Redon when he’s learning something new. I trust him,” says mentor Kevin.

On his way home after the accident, Kevin Kieffer decided to join the local fire brigade in Würenlingen. He was admitted as a member on 1 January 2026 and will now undergo one year of training. Road traffic accidents are among the most common emergencies for the fire brigade.

Trapped at the wheel

After colliding with the Peugeot, the Postbus raced towards a large tree. “I thought my time was up,” says PostBus driver Max Flückiger. But instead of crashing into the tree, the Postbus slid down the bank of the Aare River and was brought to a stop by some bushes. Max was stuck in the driver’s seat and clung to the wheel at an angle. Behind him, he heard loud screams in the Postbus. “Somehow I managed to press the emergency button and inform the on-call team about the accident.” He couldn’t move and felt a wave of relief when the two rescuers appeared. It later emerged that his left foot was broken in several places and he was unable to work for two months. Today, Max Flückiger is doing well again. He says: “I think it’s wonderful and well-deserved that they were nominated for the Prix Courage.”

Our heartfelt thanks go to Kevin Kieffer and Redon Cacaj for their remarkable courage. We wish them all the best and hope they continue to inspire with their bravery!

Video profile with Kevin and RedonTarget not accessible (in German)