Tragic avalanche accident at the spawning tower: alpinist dies after rescue strokes

Tragic avalanche accident at the spawning tower: alpinist dies after rescue strokes

On April 2, 2025, a tragic avalanche accident occurred in the Lobturm, Gaschurn, Gludenz district, Vorarlberg. Two alpinists were spilled while they were on a ski tour excursion. While one of the men was able to clear his head independently, the other was buried almost a meter below the snow. Fortunately, two other alpinists who had observed the accident were quickly present and made an emergency call and the search for the spilled.
The first few minutes are crucial when it comes to avalanches because the survival rates drop rapidly. This fact emphasizes the German Alpine Association of Security Research, which found that the survival rate for all-shakes is only 56 percent and being on the go, further reducing opportunities.

After about 15 minutes, the companions managed to dig out the seriously injured alpinist. Ranimation measures were immediately initiated, which lasted until the emergency medical helicopters "Gallus 1" and "Robin 1". In the first reports it was reported that the man's condition initially stabilized, but this took a back seat in the following hours. Ultimately, he died of the consequences of his serious injuries, as the police reported. The other alpinist, on the other hand, only suffered slight hypothermia and could be quickly brought to safety.

relevant emergency equipment

The events in Vorarlberg underline the need for complete and functional avalanche emergency equipment. According to a study by DAV security research, it is crucial to have an LVS device, a shovel and a probe with you in mountainous terrain in winter. When surveying 83 ski tour groups via emergency equipment, 97 percent stated that they were equipped with an LVS device, shovel and probe. This basic equipment is essential to be able to react quickly in an emergency.

In addition, alpinists in group trips should also have first aid sets and orientation means, while optional devices such as helmets and avalanche airbags can reduce the risk of injuries. Responsible tour planning paired with careful emergency management are necessary to meet the challenges in the mountains.

Avalanche accidents, especially in Switzerland, clarify that between 1992 and 2012 more than half of the persons concerned either spill, injured or died. Prevention is the best survival strategy, and the general rules of security in the mountains should always be implemented. The shocking Situation of the spilled alpinists at the Lobturm shows once again how life -threatening the handling of natural forces can be and how important fast action and comprehensive preparation are.