Climber Falls in Tirol, Endangering Two Rescuers

A serious incident occurred on Saturday evening in the Hechenbergl area near Innsbruck, where a 23-year-old German climber found herself in distress while climbing. In an attempt to assist her, two nearby climbers were also caught in the chaos, necessitating a complex rescue operation involving helicopters.

The climber had reportedly strayed from her intended route and managed to cling to a rock ledge approximately six meters above a path. Observing her precarious situation, a 29-year-old Austrian man and a 27-year-old Danish woman recognized the danger and attempted to call for help. Unfortunately, as they were preparing to make the emergency call, the climber lost her grip and fell onto the path below.

In an effort to catch her, the 29-year-old man was pulled down as well, while the 27-year-old woman, trying to assist both, was also dragged down in the process. The trio slid several meters down an incline, landing in a precarious position that required immediate action from rescue teams.

Rescue operations involved two helicopters along with the Innsbruck mountain rescue team and an alpine police officer. The 23-year-old climber sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to Innsbruck Hospital for treatment. The other two climbers were also assisted but details regarding their injuries have not been disclosed.

This incident highlights the inherent risks associated with climbing and the importance of safety measures and preparedness when engaging in such activities.