A series of deadly avalanches in central Austria have claimed the lives of eight people, including three Czech nationals. The incidents occurred amid heavy snowfall that has been affecting the Alps since last week, triggering multiple avalanches across the region.
According to authorities, a group of seven Czech tourists skiing in the Murltal district of Styria was caught in an avalanche, with three individuals completely buried under the snow. Rescue teams responded swiftly, but despite their efforts, the three victims were recovered lifeless.
On the same day, another tragic accident occurred near Pongau in Salzburg. Seven off-piste skiers were caught in an avalanche, resulting in four fatalities and one person seriously injured. The injured skier was evacuated to a hospital for treatment. Additionally, rescue teams reported a separate avalanche in the same area, in which another off-piste skier went missing.
Gerhard Kremsarak, head of the Pongau Mountain Rescue Service, stated, “Numerous avalanches occurred today. Despite repeated warnings, unfortunately, lives were lost.” He added that the ongoing avalanche situation is extremely dangerous, and these tragedies underscore the severity of the current conditions.
Earlier this week, several fatal accidents were also reported in the Austrian Alps. On Tuesday, a 13-year-old Czech boy died in an avalanche while skiing off-piste at the Bad Gastein Alpine resort. Additionally, last Sunday, a 58-year-old skier lost his life in an avalanche at the Weyerberg resort in Austria’s Tyrol region.
Authorities have urged people to avoid off-piste skiing and to exercise the highest caution when traveling in mountainous areas, given the increasing risk of avalanches.
Source: Gulf News.