Avalanches Kill Five Off-Piste Skiers in Austrian Alps
Five off-piste skiers tragically lost their lives in two avalanches in the Austrian Alps following recent heavy snowfall. This alarming incident underscores the dangers of skiing in uncontrolled areas, especially under poor weather conditions.
Details of the Incidents
– Location: Pongau area, near Salzburg
– Date: Recent events occurred on Saturday
– Casualties:
– Four skiers were killed and one seriously injured when an avalanche struck a group of seven skiers.
– Earlier in the day, another skier was buried by an avalanche in the same region.
Response from Authorities
– The mountain rescue service was alerted around 14:00 local time (13:00 GMT) after the second avalanche.
– Recovery efforts revealed four fatalities and one individual with serious injuries.
– Approximately an hour and a half prior, a female skier was buried by an avalanche in open alpine terrain close to this area.
Statement from Mountain Rescue Officials
Gerhard Kremser, district head of the Pongau mountain rescue service, stated: Our deepest sympathies go out to the families. This tragedy painfully demonstrates how serious the current avalanche situation is.
Recent Avalanche Activity
– Further avalanches were reported in the Pongau region around midday, though there were no additional injuries.
– In the past week, the poor snow conditions have contributed to several fatalities:
– A 13-year-old Czech boy was killed while skiing in Bad Gastein on Tuesday.
– Last Sunday, a 58-year-old skier died in a separate avalanche in Weerberg, Tyrol.
– In Switzerland, a German man lost his life due to an avalanche, and four others were injured while cross-country skiing.
– Additionally, six skiers died in various French Alpine resorts over the same weekend due to avalanche incidents.
Conclusion
The recent avalanches in the Austrian Alps serve as a sobering reminder of the risks associated with off-piste skiing. As conditions continue to pose threats, it is vital for skiers to stay informed and exercise caution. The families affected by these tragedies are in our thoughts as we navigate this perilous winter season.