How could this happen? The shock after the gondola crash with four seriously injured people on Tuesday morning in the Hochoetz ski area in the Tyrolean Ötztal is still deep. The concern is especially great for the 49-year-old father: his life was still in danger on Wednesday morning.
The horror accident in the Ötztal took place on Tuesday at 10.20 am. According to the current state of the investigation, a technical defect or human error can probably be ruled out as the cause of the gondola crash. At least one tree may have fallen on the support cable. The reasons for this are still unclear. What is certain is that there was no wind at the time of the accident.
Gondola fell up to 12 meters deep
In any case, an eight-person gondola on the Acherkogelbahn with four passengers was torn from its anchorage. “She then fell about ten to twelve meters and ended up on impassable terrain,” police said.
Danish family of four in an unhappy gondola
In the cabin of the accident was a family from Denmark: a boy and a girl (20 and 19), as well as their father and uncle (49 and 46). All four people suffered serious injuries, the father had to be intubated and his life was in danger.
Family father in intensive care after surgery
The 49-year-old had to undergo an hours-long operation at the Innsbruck clinic on Tuesday. On Wednesday morning, spokesperson Johannes Schwamberger told the “Krone”: “The man was transferred to intensive care in the evening after the operation. He remains in critical condition.”
Two injured in neighboring gondola
The gondola accident caused even more injuries, it was announced on Tuesday evening. Two Germans (58 and 62 years old) in the adjacent gondola were also injured, probably due to vibrations from the suspension cable.
The investigation must clarify the cause of the accident
After the gondola accident, the accident railway line was “emptied” and taken out of service. “Affected guests were informed via loudspeakers,” the mountain railway told the “Krone”.
It is not yet clear how the terrible accident could have happened in the popular ski area. The police, the Public Prosecution Service and the cable car authority will investigate this. Investigators flew to the scene of the accident on Tuesday.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
