Serious hiking accident in Matrei: saviors fight against weather dilemma!

Serious hiking accident in Matrei: saviors fight against weather dilemma!

On July 15, 2025, a serious accident occurred in the Alps, in which a 61-year-old Dutch hiker fell on the Wildenkogelschhartsteig. The scene of the accident was about 2,400 meters high, near the Baden hut, while the hiker was traveling towards Matreier Tauernhaus. According to the Dolomitenstadt, the man crashed about 30 meters due to wet conditions and remained seriously injured at the scene of the accident.

his 58-year-old companion alerted the emergency services at 9:18 p.m. Despite adverse weather conditions, two mountain rescuers were flown near the accident site with a rescue helicopter. In the early morning of July 16, around 3:00 a.m., the emergency services, including a total of 20 members of the Matrei mountain rescue in East Tyrol, met the injured on foot.

rescue actions in the mountains

The salvage of the 61-year-old was challenging, especially because of the adverse weather conditions. After the mountain rescuers reached him, he was flown to the accident clinic in Klagenfurt with the Libelle Carinthia police helicopter. Two rescue helicopters, two police helicopters and an alpine policeman were used in the operation.

This incident is not the only example of the dangers in the mountains. Already on July 5, 2025, a 24-year-old climber faded down at the Watzespitze after he could not find the abseiling slope. Other serious accidents, such as a flash accident, in which a German hiker near the Carducci hut was confused, also show the risks associated with mountaineering. In another dramatic rescue operation, a mountaineer was saved on June 10, who had survived a 300-meter fall on the Großglockner, as alpine reported.

accident on the Großglockner

On another day, a serious accident also occurred on the Großglockner, where a 54-year-old alpinist fell during the climb. The man, who got caught with his crampons around 5 a.m. His 58-year-old tour partner, who immediately informed the rescue workers, relegated and received support from present mountain guides. According to the rescue workers, the injured person was flown to the hospital in Lienz by helicopter. It was a demanding normal route that should only be accepted by experienced hikers, since the conditions can vary, such as [alpine] (https://www.alpin.de/home/news/61573/artikel_200-meter-sturz_AM_GROSSGLOCKNE_BERGSTIGER_Schwer_Herhrettet.

In the past few weeks, the incidents have illustrated the dangers that exist on mountain tours. Awareness of security and the right equipment are crucial to prevent such tragedies. Mountainers should always make sure to assess the weather conditions and to assess their skills realistically in order to minimize the risk of accidents.