In Tyrolean Martinswand

Handle broke out: German injured while climbing

A German climber (30) suffered serious injuries on the Martinswand in Zirl, Tyrol, on Saturday afternoon. The man was lead climbing when a hold suddenly broke off and he fell into the rope. He had to be rescued by emergency helicopter using a rope.

The accident happened at around 3.40 pm. The German was on the "Ostriss" climbing route together with his companion, a 28-year-old compatriot. "When, according to the 30-year-old, a hold suddenly broke off on the fifth pitch, he fell into the rope and was able to be secured by his climbing partner," said the police.

Roped down to the belay station by his climbing partner
Due to the injuries sustained in the fall (suspected concussion, various bleeding and abrasions), the man was unable to continue climbing and had to be roped back down to the belay by the 28-year-old. The climbers then made an emergency call and the injured man was rescued by the crew of the emergency helicopter using a rope. The uninjured climber was able to abseil and climb down independently. "Further investigations are required to determine the exact cause of the fall," said the executive.