Granite slab dislodges during mountain tour: 30-year-old seriously injured in the Stubai Alps

The 39-year-old went ahead during the ascent through this boulder field. Then the accident occurred: as they ascended, a large granite slab came loose above the 30-year-old, fell down, and pinned the woman's right foot. The woman was seriously injured in the incident.

The companion reacted quickly: by slightly lifting the slab, the 39-year-old was at least able to free the younger woman. He then called emergency services. Police confirmed the described sequence of events in a press release.

Rescue by helicopter

According to police, the injured woman ultimately had to be rescued from the high-alpine terrain by rescue helicopter using a tagline rescue. Using a special rope technique, in which the helicopter hovers in the air and the person is picked up via a tagline, she was flown out of the rocky region.

Following the rescue, the woman was airlifted by rescue helicopter to Zams hospital. No further details were provided regarding the exact nature of the foot injuries or the current state of health of the 30-year-old.

Hazards in high-alpine terrain

The incident casts a spotlight on the hazards that lurk even on slopes classified as moderate in high-alpine terrain. According to mountain guides, loose granite slabs can come loose particularly in strongly sun-exposed, warmed-up rock regions. The East Ridge of the Wilde Leck is considered by alpinists to be a demanding, exposed route.

The Wilde Leck is a 3,359-metre-high summit in the Ridnaun group, a sub-group of the Stubai Alps. The Amberger Hütte serves as an important base for tours to this and neighbouring destinations. The Sulztalferner, a glacier field along the way, must be passed on the ascent.

Information on state of health

The day of the accident, 4 July 2026, fell in a period of stable high-pressure weather over the Alps, which offered ideal conditions for high-alpine tours – but, due to the strong solar radiation, also affected rock stability. Police have launched investigations into the exact course of the rockfall.

As police ultimately reported, the 30-year-old is receiving medical treatment at Zams hospital. Information on possible accompanying injuries, the duration of the hospital stay, or initial findings was not initially available.

The identity of the two alpinists was not released by police. There was no indication of third-party fault or of any lack of alpine experience on the part of those involved. According to reports, the deployment of the rescue helicopter and tagline rescue proceeded successfully.