Ten-Year Record for Alpine Fatalities in Austria's Mountains

The number of accidents in the alpine area increased significantly in Austria last year: from 9,583, it rose to a total of 9,761 accidents (ten-year average: 8,422). Last year, 13,999 people were involved in accidents - almost half of them, 6,260 people, on slopes and ski routes.

Majority of Alpine Fatalities in Austria's Mountains Over 51 Years Old

In the summer, the 3,226 accidents while hiking and mountaineering were particularly notable. 67 percent of alpine fatalities were over 51 years old, with the most common cause of death remaining the same as in previous years: 27 percent of the deceased died due to a cardiovascular disorder. A significant 20 percent of alpine fatalities were due to a fall. There were 16 avalanche deaths last year, compared to 18 people who died from snow slides the year before. The number of alpine fatalities set a record for the past ten years, although not for times further in the past. There have certainly been more alpine fatalities counted than last year.

"Boom" Responsible for Increase in Accidents in Austria's Mountains

"Alpine sports continue to boom, and unfortunately, we also see this in the accident numbers," analyzed Peter Paal, President of the Austrian Board for Alpine Safety, regarding the statistics from the alpine accident report. The board and its members must raise awareness among people, especially the young, "about the alpine dangers so that they do not have accidents." For older individuals, it is important to be active in the mountains "only after an annual health check and stable health," as otherwise, the risk of cardiovascular failure increases significantly, Paal appealed.

Tyrol Leader in Alpine Fatalities in Austria's Mountains

As in previous years, most of the fatalities were from Austria (58 percent), followed by Germany (28 percent). The comparison of federal states within Austria once again showed Tyrol at the sad top of alpine fatalities and accidents. 104 people died in the mountains of the "Holy Land." This was followed by Salzburg (58), Carinthia (36), and Vorarlberg (35). 87 percent of the fatalities were male (269). While summer mountain sports disciplines accounted for about 55 percent of alpine fatalities with 170 deaths, 68 fatalities were counted in winter mountain sports disciplines (22 percent). The remaining 23 percent of mountain deaths occurred due to forestry accidents, vehicle accidents on mountain roads, or suicide, not due to alpine sports.

(APA/Red)

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