The number of fatalities and accidents in the Alps was at the long-term average last winter of 2022/2023. Between November 1, 2023 and April 1, 2024, 106 people died in the Austrian mountains, the number is just below the ten-year average of 109. 7,517 people had an accident “on the mountain”. However, thirty percent of them remained unharmed.
Most deaths occurred on a slope or ski route (25 percent), while 20 people (19 percent) died during ski touring.
However, significantly fewer fatal avalanche accidents were recorded: while the long-term average of 16 people died under an avalanche, eight people died in this year’s observation period. The fatal avalanches that occurred in Tyrol last week (four deaths) have not been taken into account. Those affected were mainly men (81 percent) and Austrian citizens (53 percent), followed by Germans (27 percent).
“Exercising with a cold is life-threatening”
As in previous seasons, cardiovascular disease was the most common cause of accidental or emergency deaths at 27 percent. In this context, Peter Paal, chairman of the Board of Trustees for Alpine Safety (ÖKAS), pointed out the risk of myocarditis. “The point here is that exercising with a cold is life-threatening.”
Collisions are the most common
In terms of accidents as a whole, collisions, especially on slopes and ski trails, were the most common. However, it was pointed out that the Alpine Police only registers accidents where negligence by third parties is suspected.
“Overconfidence” is often the reason for emergency calls
The number of accidents also reached a ten-year average of 4,831 (4,645). The number of uninjured people who made an emergency call because they were in an unfortunate situation remained high. Those affected are often “overwhelmed or have overestimated themselves.”
45 percent of accidents in Tyrol
The state of Tyrol once again stood out in the statistics. 45 percent of accidents and 29 percent of deaths occurred there. Salzburg came in a sad second place with 20 deaths, followed by Vorarlberg with 17 deaths. The same picture emerged when it came to accidents (Tyrol: 2155, Salzburg: 757, Vorarlberg: 745).
The number of accidents in forestry also increased
Following a recently observed trend, the number of forestry accidents continued to increase. Eleven of the 68 accidents were fatal. Paal referred to the consequences of one of the warmest winters since weather records began and the associated extreme weather conditions.
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.
