Tragic skiing accident: Eleven-year-old dies after crash into alpine hut in Wagrain

A tragic skiing accident rocked the popular Wagrain ski area in the St. Johann im Pongau district when an eleven-year-old boy had a fatal accident while descending the black “Giftabfahrt” slope. The boy, who was traveling on the steep slope, lost control for unknown reasons and broke through a barrier net before crashing into a nearby ski hut. Despite immediate resuscitation measures by the rescue team, which was supported by an emergency helicopter, the young Lower Austrian later died in hospital from his serious injuries The press reported.

The accident occurred on Tuesday morning shortly after 9:00 a.m. when the boy was traveling with his father. Investigators ruled out foul play and pointed out that the boy was wearing a helmet. Due to the investigation, no detailed information is yet available on the exact circumstances of the accident. The police determined that the slope is considered particularly dangerous with a gradient of up to 65 percent. According to an initial assessment, the parents' duty of supervision could be relevant while the public prosecutor's office is still deciding on the further proceedings ORF Salzburg.

An alpine tragedy

In the Wagrain ski region, the “Giftabfahrt” is considered one of the most challenging pistes, stretching over 300 meters. The tragedy reminded everyone present of the dangers associated with skiing on such slopes. The father of the child who died in the accident has not yet commented publicly on the incident as he has not yet been officially interviewed. The incident was accompanied by five Red Cross crisis intervention workers who were on site to support relatives and eyewitnesses in order to better process the traumatic experience. Roberta Thanner, spokeswoman for the Red Cross, emphasized the standard measures in such dramatic situations.