Josef Fritzl had the debt when he was arrested after authorities last week discovered his daughter, Elisabeth, and three of his six surviving children living in the cellar beneath his home in Amstetten, Sky News reported Tuesday. Three of the children lived with Fritzl and his wife just feet above the windowless cellar.

The 73-year-old Fritzl, who confessed to holding his daughter captive, attempted to make money in real estate but failed, the British broadcaster said.

Hermann Gruber, spokesman for the Amstetten mayor's office, told Sky News an account was opened so people could donate funds to the family.

"We can't help the family at the moment but we can help them afterward when they come out of hospital and we will do our best."

Gruber said he doubted the woman and her children would want to remain in the house where they were captive, so officials pledged to help find new living quarters.

"We will help in any way we can," Gruber said.