Paraglider crashes on Gemeindealpe and is rescued by mountain rescue

Rescue operation in the Latschenfeld

The Mitterbach am Erlaufsee mountain rescue team deployed to extract the injured man and provide initial medical care. The rescue workers secured the man in the hard-to-access terrain and prepared him for transport.

The 70-year-old was subsequently admitted to the Lilienfeld state hospital. Further information on his condition was not initially available. The authorities have launched investigations into the cause of the accident.

Possible role of weather conditions

At the time of the accident, changing wind conditions prevailed on the Gemeindealpe, which is a popular launch site for paragliders, according to eyewitness reports. Whether external influences such as a gusty wind peak contributed to the loss of control is part of the ongoing investigations.

The Gemeindealpe near Mitterbach am Erlaufsee is located at around 1,000 meters above sea level and is frequently used in summer for paragliding and hang gliding. Mountain rescue has for years been pointing out the risks of launches in changing weather conditions.

Background: Paragliding on the Gemeindealpe

The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon, a day with moderate recreational activity on the alpine pasture. Tourists who observed the crash alerted the emergency services. The police subsequently secured the accident site.

The Mitterbach am Erlaufsee mountain rescue team and the police are asking any potential witnesses to come forward with information regarding the course of the accident. The investigations into the exact cause of the crash are ongoing.