In open terrain

Only hand sticking out: man caught in avalanche

Symbolic image(Bild: Hubert Rauth)

A German man (23) had several guardian angels on Thursday in the Hochgurgl ski resort in the Tyrolean Ötztal! The man was caught in an avalanche in open terrain and almost completely buried. Despite this, he was able to free himself from his predicament.

The incident occurred at around 10.45 am. In the Hochgurgl ski area, the 23-year-old was skiing down a slope that was around 45 degrees steep. "As he was skiing through terrain interspersed with rocks, he lost a ski and fell," said the police. An avalanche then broke loose, burying the German. "Only his right hand was still sticking out of the avalanche."

Apart from the 23-year-old, no one else was buried.

Eine Sprecherin der Polizei

Witness made an emergency call
The 23-year-old was nevertheless able to free himself and remained unharmed. A witness made an emergency call, whereupon a search operation was launched. Apart from the German, however, no one was buried.