Fatal crash in the yarn ranges: hikers dies during descent

Fatal crash in the yarn ranges: hikers dies during descent

Garnitzenklamm, Österreich - On June 9, 2025, a tragic accident occurred in the Garnitzklamm in the Hermagor community, in which a 59-year-old German hiker died. Together with a 40-year-old friend, he had spent his vacation on the Kühweger Alm since June 7 and planned to return to a nearby inn on Monday morning, around 9:30 a.m. On the way into the valley there was a serious fall around 10:30 a.m.

The 59-year-old stepped on a narrow, slippery climb and fell around 15 meters into the underlying stream bed. His companion tried in vain to capture him. Despite immediate help from rescue workers who came with the emergency doctor helicopter "RK 1", only the death of the hiker could be determined. The accident was then rescued with a dew by the police helicopter "Libelle Carinthia".

acute dangers in alpine terrain

Such accidents are not uncommon, as the Austrian Board of Trustees for Alpine Security (ÖKAS) documents. Every year, over 8,000 alpine accidents are recorded in an anonymized database that ensures a comprehensive overview of the dangers and risks in mountain sports. The data collected includes both fatal accidents and those with suspicion of external negligence.

The accident statistics have developed as an important instrument for analyzing trends in mountain sports and has a significant impact on prevention work. Incidentes, in which the alpine police are involved, are recorded, the mountain sports disciplines are divided into classic winter and summer disciplines as well as non-mountain sports disciplines. About a third of the ancients can either get help themselves or is recovered unharmed.

handling of accidents in the Alps

In terms of the fatal accident in the Garnitzklamm, the tragedy of the situation for the bereaved is unmistakable. While some accidents such as this occur frighteningly often, the statistics collected also indicate the importance of security measures when hiking and mountaineering. For example, the use of suitable equipment and awareness of the dangers of alpine paths is crucial.

The recording of accident data has been recorded since the 2005/06 season, although the database is of enormous importance not only for accident research, but also for the education and ultimately to increase security in the alpine space. The careful analysis and evaluation of the information collected could help prevent similar accidents in the future.

For more information about the background of the accident statistics and its importance in the context of alpine accidents, refer to the reports from click Carinthia , ORF Kärnten as well as the explanations of the Austrian Kuratorium for Alpine Security .