In the Japanese ski resort of Nagano, several winter sports enthusiasts were buried by an avalanche. Two men could only be recovered dead, one of them is American freestyle snowboarder Kyle Smaine. The identity of the other man has not yet been revealed, but according to media reports it could be an Austrian.
The group of winter sports enthusiasts was already dragged along by the avalanche on Sunday. They had been outside the secure ramp area and were videotaping. Australians, Canadians and Americans were nearby at the time of the incident, the Japan Times reports.
The American winter sports blog “Mountain Gazette” reported a short time later that freestyle skier Kyle Smaine (32) was one of the victims. The American magazine also wrote that the second fatal victim should be an Austrian. The Austrians would have joined Smaine, and one of them would have kicked off the snow.
Local authorities have not yet commented. Attempts are currently being made to clarify the identity and nationality of the victims, the city’s mayor told AFP news agency.
Photographer describes “horror scenario”
Grant Gunderson, a photographer who was part of the team, described the tragic incident on Instagram: “It was an absolute horror scenario.” Another skier was also buried, but he was rescued from the snow masses unharmed — “which borders on a miracle,” says Gunderson.
Numerous rescuers rushed to help the victims. Another group of skiers nearby also provided first aid. On the fateful day there was an acute avalanche warning because of the freshly fallen snow.
Source: Krone
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