Operation in the Zillertal

Avalanche alert in Tyrol: search for buried victims

Several helicopters were on site.(Bild: ZOOM Tirol)

An avalanche in the Tyrolean Zillertal triggered a major search operation for buried victims on Thursday afternoon. In the end, two people were found. Both winter sports enthusiasts are dead. Several helicopters - including the police helicopter - and mountain rescue teams were deployed.

The serious avalanche occurred shortly before 12 noon - on the Rosskopf (2576 meters) in the Tux Alps in the municipality of Hippach, as the Tyrol control center explained in response to an inquiry from "Krone".

"No avalanche beacon signals received at first"
It was quickly assumed that two winter sports enthusiasts had been buried by the masses of snow. The police also spoke of two missing persons.

Both people were eventually found. They are deceased.

Leitstelle Tirol

A major search operation was launched. "At first, no avalanche beacon signals could be received," the control center continued. Around an hour later, two buried victims were discovered and dug out. Despite immediate resuscitation measures, neither person survived the accident.

The identity of the winter sports enthusiasts was initially unknown. They are believed to be two local ski tourers.

Helicopter and mountain rescuers on site
The two emergency helicopters "Martin 7" and "Alpin 5" as well as the Libelle police helicopter were deployed. Also the mountain rescue teams from Mayrhofen and Tux.

Major alarm on the Nordkette
There had been an avalanche alert in Tyrol on Christmas Day: A dust avalanche triggered a major operation. In the end, everything turned out quite well. Three of the seven people involved were swept away and partially buried. In the end, the police spoke of one slightly injured person.

However, the avalanche situation on the mountains of Tyrol remains tense. There is a widespread warning level 3 of 4.