Avalanche
On Monday afternoon, an avalanche in Western Austria left two skiers dead and one in critical condition. A group of seven Germans were skiing off piste at St. Anton am Alberg, when one skier triggered an avalanche, carrying four of them over 2,600 feet down the mountain.
A mountain guide observed the incident and called on rescue crews, which brought the alpine police, mountain rescue services, and three helicopters to help. Tragically, two men were pronounced dead at the scene.
Six people have died in Austrian avalanches since New Years Day 2015 including two US Ski Team members.
One of the four men, who was severely injured, was transported by helicopter to a hospital in Innsbruck. Sadly, nothing more could be done for the two deceased. The fourth man was luckily not swept too far by the avalanche, and walked away uninjured.
At the time, the avalanche risk was rated ‘considerable’ by local authorities, with a rating of 3 out of 5.
Our thoughts are with the families of the deceased.
