So far this season, 13 people have died on Austria’s ski slopes. This is significantly more than in the same period (November 1 to January 3) of previous seasons, according to data from the Kuratorium für Alpine Sicherheit (ÖKAS). The number of injuries is “below average” at 505.
The average over the past ten years was 709 persons. “Seriously injured” are not included in the statistics, as this can only be determined after a corresponding diagnosis in the hospital. However, the circumstances would indicate that there are more serious accidents and thus serious injuries this year, said ÖKAS chairman Peter Paal. Something similar was recently heard from the Innsbruck clinic. “If someone falls, even a slight fall is difficult in these conditions. If someone falls heavily at the moment, they have all the more serious injuries,” said Paal, referring to the current weather conditions.
More injured
According to the statisticians, the majority of those injured in the past decade were men (54 percent). Women made up 45 percent. There is no discernible deviation from this in the current season.
Death from cardiovascular failure
In contrast to the injured, the number of deaths on the slopes has increased. Between November 1 and January 3, 13 people were killed. For comparison: in the last season there were four deaths in Austria until January 3, in the entire pre-Corona season 2018/19 six. Only in the winter season 2013/14 there were still 14 deaths. Most of the current deaths on slopes and ski routes occurred in Tyrol (11), one in Salzburg and one in Styria.
Usually died young
It is striking that five people died in accidents due to cardiovascular disease. External circumstances therefore played less of a role. In addition to cardiovascular causes, seven falls involving impacts against obstacles and one impact claimed his life. According to the Supervisory Board, falls and collisions are generally the main causes of accidents. This time, seven of the 13 fatalities were under the age of 30.
Conditions for winter sports enthusiasts should remain difficult until the next heavy snowfall. There is currently an increased risk of serious injury in the event of a fall, especially off the edge of the piste. warned various aid organizations in a joint broadcast. Therefore, the “basic rules for safe snow sports” should now be observed above all: skiing correctly, checking equipment, warming up and improving your own skills.
Source: Krone
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