During forestry work

Steel cable snapped and hit an Upper Styrian in the face

During logging work in the forest on Monday in Gröbming, a steel cable broke and hit a farmer (73) in the face. His son, who was present, alerted the emergency services. The injured Upper Styrian was taken to hospital.

At around 11.30 a.m., a 73-year-old man from the Liezen district and his 41-year-old son were carrying out woodwork in their forest. As the steel cable attached to the three-point winch was too short, a cable extension had to be attached.

However, after felling a tree, the rope became jammed under the trunk at around midday, whereupon the son used the radio control to pull the rope in a little. The weld seam of the extension suddenly broke and the rope, which was under heavy tension, was thrown towards the tractor.

The 73-year-old, who was standing there wearing a forestry helmet, was hit in the face by the end of the rope. The 41-year-old immediately alerted the emergency services. After first aid by the Red Cross and an emergency doctor, the Styrian was taken to DKH Schladming. He later had to be transferred to Salzburg University Hospital due to his injuries.