Forestry accident in Wildschönau: 44-year-old struck by tree and airlifted to hospital

His 49-year-old work colleague reacted immediately, placed the emergency call and provided first aid until the emergency services arrived. The rapid action of the colleague helped stabilise the injured man before the rescue teams reached the scene. According to the operation commanders, the recovery was complex because the terrain is located in a steep section of forest.

Transport to Innsbruck hospital

After initial treatment on site, the 44-year-old was airlifted by rescue helicopter to Innsbruck hospital. The operation commanders initially provided no details on the exact nature of the injuries, but according to the helpers there was no danger to life. Family members were notified.

Police launch investigation

The police have launched an investigation into the circumstances of the accident. A forestry accident expert is to clarify why the tree was able to graze the worker and whether there are indications of prior damage to the trunk or a faulty assessment of its stability. The question of whether the standard safety equipment was being worn is also part of the investigation.

In the Kufstein district, there have been repeated partly serious forestry accidents in recent years, as the topography with steep slopes and dense tree stands makes the work additionally difficult. Forestry operations and agricultural businesses in the region depend on regular timber harvesting, whether for their own use or for sale. The responsible authorities regularly point to the importance of training and protective clothing.

Forestry accidents: a recurring issue in Tyrol

The accident in Wildschönau is part of a series of incidents reported in Tyrol during the current summer season. Forestry work is considered one of the most dangerous occupations of all, because falling branches, rolling logs and steep terrain can pose a sudden hazard at any time. In Austria, employers are obliged to instruct their employees accordingly before deployment and to equip them with personal protective equipment.

According to the emergency services, the rescue chain functioned smoothly: from the emergency call and the initial treatment provided by the colleague to the helicopter recovery and transport to Innsbruck hospital, comparatively little time passed. What consequences the injuries will have for the 44-year-old remains currently unclear. Further information is to follow once the police investigations have been completed.