Tragedy in the yarn clammy: German hiker dies near the fall

Tragedy in the yarn clammy: German hiker dies near the fall

Garnitzenklamm, Gemeinde und Bezirk Hermagor, Österreich - In a tragic turn, a German vacationer and his partner lost her life on August 23, 2024 in the popular hiking area Garnitzenklamm in the Hermagor district. The 55-year-old man fell about 25 meters into rocky terrain during a hike, which led to serious injuries. After a short time, his companion, the partner, noticed the lack of her partner and found him seriously injured next to a stream bed. Despite immediate resuscitation attempts, among other things by the emergency doctor of an alarmed helicopter, the man at the accident scene at the scene of the accident reports Gailtal Journal.

The incident occurred from the Kühwegeralm to the Garnitzklamm after around 45 minutes of walking. Investigations into the exact cause of the accident are currently underway, but possible factors such as the slippery terrain cannot be ruled out in wet conditions. The garnish gorge is known for its breathtaking nature, but also attracts hikers who have to move on narrow and often demanding ways.

safety aspects when hiking

Despite the increasing numbers of hikers in recent years, some of which are due to Corona pandemic, current statistics from the German Alpine Association (DAV) show a general decline in mountain accidents. In 2021, the DAV registered a total of 669 accidents, which corresponds to a low, while 32 members were tragically killed. The most common cause of the accident is falls when hiking, where 310 incidents, including 17 fatal, were documented. Accidents without external influences make up 60% of these cases, as the statistics show (Alpenverein).

The garnish gorge and similar hiking areas require a special level of attention and caution from the visitors, especially in moist conditions. Despite the large number of hikers who enjoy these routes, security remains the top priority. The accident statistics make it clear that even experienced hikers are not immune to accidents and that the knowledge of possible dangers is decisive.

The tragic incident in the garnish gorge should serve as a serious reminder for all hikers, to always be careful and to take into account the conditions of the environment. At a time when more and more people are visiting nature, it is essential to set security to first place. The DAV plans to further optimize the security strategies in order to prevent such accidents in the future