Avalanches Kill Five Off-Piste Skiers in Austrian Alps
In a tragic turn of events, five off-piste skiers lost their lives due to two devastating avalanches in the Austrian Alps. The region has been grappling with heavy snowfall, creating hazardous conditions that have led to recent fatalities among skiers.
Details of the Incidents
– Location: Pongau area, near Salzburg
– Date: Saturday, following heavy snowfall
– Victims:
– Avalanche 1: Four skiers were killed when an avalanche struck a group of seven. One skier was seriously injured.
– Avalanche 2: Earlier on the same day, a female skier was buried in open alpine terrain in the same vicinity.
Response and Official Statements
– The mountain rescue service received reports of the avalanches around 14:00 local time (13:00 GMT).
– Rescue efforts resulted in the recovery of four deceased individuals, with one suffering from serious injuries.
– Gerhard Kremser, district head of the Pongau mountain rescue service, expressed condolences: Our deepest sympathies go out to the families. This tragedy painfully demonstrates how serious the current avalanche situation is.
Recent Avalanche Incidents
The dangers posed by avalanches have been evident across the region, with several incidents reported:
– Tuesday: A 13-year-old Czech boy was killed while skiing in the Austrian Alpine resort of Bad Gastein.
– Last Sunday: A 58-year-old skier died in an avalanche in Weerberg, a Tyrolean resort in western Austria.
– In Switzerland: A German man lost his life, and four others were injured while cross-country skiing.
– France: Last weekend saw six skiers perish in avalanches across various Alpine resorts.
As the snow continues to fall and conditions remain treacherous, the importance of skiing safety cannot be overstated. Skiers are advised to stay informed and heed avalanche warnings to enjoy the beauty of the Alps safely.