Injured recruits

Drama on the Glockner: Soldier on trial after exercise

The mountain wasn't that beautiful during the army exercise - the troops were surprised by bad weather.(Bild: Wallner Hannes)

The public prosecutor's office in Innsbruck has brought serious charges against a soldier from East Tyrol: The 47-year-old army and mountain guide is allegedly responsible for injuries to young recruits from a Salzburg barracks who had been under his command during an exercise in Matrei in late winter.

"It's a mess what was done to the young lads," says lawyer Kurt Jelinek, who represents one of the victims. "My client suffered second to fourth degree frostbite on six fingers. Another soldier fell into a crevasse."

The indictment lists exactly what happened: In the course of training a radar battalion, the accused had planned a challenging ski tour from the Johanneshütte via the Defreggerhaus to cross the Großvenediger at 3657 meters, then a descent via the Obersulzbachkees. However, the 13-strong group was surprised by bad weather - it started to snow on the ascent at minus six degrees, thick fog and icy winds.

Completely exhausted at over 3000 meters on the mountain
"Despite the weather conditions, he did not immediately abandon the tour," it says. The recruits were at their limits; a completely exhausted 19-year-old fell around eight meters into a crevasse and could only just be held on the rope by his comrades.

The rescue was extremely difficult at over 3000 meters. The helicopter was initially unable to ascend and alpine police had to be deployed.

The failed army training now has repercussions at the district court in Lienz: on Monday, the soldier responsible will have to answer for negligent bodily harm.