Deadly avalanche in Tyrol

“That was the most difficult decision during the operation”

A large contingent of emergency services was on site in Vent.(Bild: Birbaumer Christof)

Max Riml, head of operations for the Sölden mountain rescue team during the avalanche accident in Vent, describes the dramatic rescue operation. After avalanches threatened the rescuers, Riml is grateful that everyone came back safe and sound.

"Avalanche on hiking trail, ten people buried" - that was the first report from the Tyrol control center that Max Riml received at around 11 a.m. on Thursday. "When I found out that the accident had happened on the way to the Martin-Busch-Hütte, it was clear that an avalanche was going to hit the valley floor," says Riml.