Two German mountaineers die in separate accidents in the Austrian Alps

The recovery proved difficult according to police. The incident occurred around 10:45 a.m. according to the available information. The 63-year-old was part of a group of five. The exact circumstances that led to the loss of balance remained initially unclear.

On the same day, according to APA, citing police, another fatal mountain accident involving a German citizen occurred. Another German suffered a fatal accident on the Mindelheim via ferrata on the border between the Austrian federal state of Vorarlberg and Bavaria.

Sequence of the accident on the Mindelheim via ferrata

According to current findings, the man got into difficulties while climbing on the secured via ferrata. When the man unclipped his via ferrata set, he lost his balance and fell around 100 meters down a vertical rock face. He also succumbed to his injuries at the scene of the accident.

The Mindelheim via ferrata is a demanding via ferrata that runs along historic supply paths between Germany and Austria. Such via ferratas are equipped with steel cables, iron clamps, and footholds, but still require experience and concentration. Unclipping the via ferrata set — that is, the catch and safety system — is considered particularly risky.

Investigations and warnings

As APA reported, citing police, the investigations into both accidents are ongoing. (AFP) Details on the identity and age of the second German mountaineer, as well as on the group he was traveling with, were not initially published in detail.

Police regularly warn mountain sports enthusiasts about the risks in high-alpine terrain, especially during changing weather conditions in midsummer. Both accidents occurred within a few hours on Saturday, according to APA.

The names of the two victims were initially not released by the authorities. The responsible alpine emergency services and mountain rescue were involved in the recovery and investigation work.