Tricky situation in Tyrol

Series of avalanches in Tyrol: Injuries and one fatality

Mountain rescuers and other winter sports enthusiasts searched for the buried victims in St. Anton.(Bild: ZOOM Tirol)

On Friday, avalanche rescue operations were underway across large parts of Tyrol – from the Zillertal to Nauders. According to information from the "Krone" newspaper, there were at least three fatalities – two in St. Anton and one father in Nauders – and numerous injuries. In Kappl, 15 winter sports enthusiasts were extremely lucky in their misfortune.

According to the Tyrol control center, there was an avalanche warning in the open ski area in Fiss. The accident happened at around 11:45 a.m. north of the 12er Sportiv slope. Helicopters, the Fiss and Ried mountain rescue services, and dog handlers were deployed. Contrary to reports, it turned out that no one was caught in the avalanche after all.

Person dug out
Avalanche operations were also underway in the Zillertal valley. "Two people were reported buried in Hochfügen," according to the Tyrol control center. The Jenbach and Kramsach mountain rescue services were deployed, as well as Libelle Tirol. One person was dug out. The athlete was responsive. According to the control center, there was no longer any fear of a second person being buried, but the mountain rescue service conducted a search nonetheless.

Two snowboarders swept away
In the Hochzillertal ski area, two Czech nationals (48 and 47) were snowboarding shortly after 11 a.m. when they left the piste and entered the open ski area. An avalanche was triggered there and swept the two winter sports enthusiasts away. They were able to free themselves. However, the 47-year-old woman suffered a serious foot injury. "Other freeriders who were following behind set the rescue chain in motion and administered first aid," according to the police. The woman was rescued by the mountain rescue service and flown to the hospital by rescue helicopter.

Fatality in Nauders
An avalanche also occurred in Nauders (Landeck district) – below the Piengkopf in the vicinity of the ski area. Two people were buried there as well – a father (42) and son (16) from Germany. The Robin 3 emergency helicopter and the Nauders mountain rescue service were called to the scene. The 16-year-old son was rescued with serious injuries. Unfortunately, it was too late to help his father.

Resuscitation in Alpbach
In Alpbach, a snow slab caught three skiers (16, 17, 51) shortly before 12 noon. The avalanche occurred in the Schatzberg area towards Alpbach in open terrain. Three other winter sports enthusiasts escaped with a scare and set the rescue chain in motion. However, the 17-year-old Austrian had to be resuscitated. The teenager was seriously injured and flown by rescue helicopter to the hospital in Kufstein.

Major alarm in Kappl
According to the control center, an avalanche caught a total of 15 skiers in the open ski area in Kappl. Witnesses to the accident were able to rescue all those buried (one completely and one partially) while the rescue operation was still underway. Two injured people were taken to hospital. A search revealed no further persons in the snow masses.

Buried person also in Fulpmes
At around 2:47 p.m., an avalanche was also reported in the municipality of Fulpmes. In open terrain in the Schlick ski area, a young Australian was swept away by masses of snow but remained practically on the surface. His father skied down the avalanche to his son, the mountain rescue service rescued the injured son, and the helicopter flew him to hospital.

Large avalanche in St. Anton claims two lives
Shortly after 3 p.m., an avalanche also occurred in the open ski area on Rendl (Verwall) in the municipality of St. Anton am Arlberg. "We have reports that several people have been buried by the very large avalanche," the control center told the "Krone" newspaper. According to the police, five people were buried.

In the early evening, the sad news was confirmed: according to information from the Krone newspaper, two people lost their lives – both foreign nationals. "Another person was flown by helicopter to the Innsbruck clinic while undergoing resuscitation, and a second seriously injured person was taken to the hospital in Zams," said Patrick Wechner, head of the Alpine Police in the Landeck district. One victim, who freed himself, sought medical attention in St. Anton.

Gigantic dust avalanche
According to Wechner, the huge dust avalanche was around one kilometer long and 500 meters wide and raced down over 700 meters in altitude. "The accident happened in open terrain on a variant run; the ski area was not affected," explains Wechner. 

Several mountain rescue teams were deployed – St. Anton, Pettneu, Flirsch, and Landeck with 60 personnel, three dog handlers, eight alpine police officers, and four helicopters. 

(Bild: Land Tirol)

High danger level in Tyrol
The large amounts of fresh snow also increase the risk of avalanches in the mountains. While level 2 (out of 5) prevails below the tree line in almost all parts of Tyrol, the danger increases enormously above this level. According to the avalanche report of the province of Tyrol, the danger is level 4 in many parts – and thus high.

Avalanches caused operations in the morning and early afternoon. For example, in the Lech Valley, where a bus was hit by an avalanche and pushed off the road. The danger was also high in the days before. As reported in detail, two people died in avalanche accidents in the Tyrolean mountains on Wednesday. An alpinist from the Netherlands did not have an avalanche transceiver with him.