Tragic Allalin race: 18-year-old dies after collision!

Tragic Allalin race: 18-year-old dies after collision!

In a tragic incident at the Allalin race in Saas-Fee, Switzerland, there was a fatal accident on Saturday. An 18-year-old Swiss ski racer suffered fatal injuries in a collision with another participant. According to the cantonal police, the collision happened around 11:15 a.m. The 18-year-old died at the scene of the accident, while the other driver was flown to Hospital in Sion with serious injuries. The exact causes of the collision are currently unclear.

The accident follows another incident on the same day. A 26-year-old participant had fallen at 9:40 a.m. and also suffered serious injuries. He was also flown to the hospital with a helicopter. In both cases, the public prosecutor has initiated investigations to clarify the exact circumstances. These accidents throw a light on the dangers of skiing, especially in competitions, in which participants often reach high speeds.

the allaline race

The allaline race, which was held this year for the 43rd time, is aimed at both professionals and amateurs. The route is nine kilometers long, begins at a height of 3,600 meters and leads to the village of Saas-Fee. Team and couple competitions were already taking place on Friday, while the individual races for skiing and snowboarding took place on Saturdays.

The incidents in Saas-Fee are not isolated. The accident statistics in skiing shows a worrying increase in injuries. In the 2023/2024 season, an estimated 46,000 to 48,000 injured skiers were registered, which is a significant increase compared to the previous season. Particularly worrying is the increase in injuries caused by collisions that have risen from 1.50 to 1.73 per 1,000 skiers and make up a share of 21 percent in all skiing injuries ( Ski ).

These events underline the need to check security measures in skiing and, if necessary, increase the risks for athletes. The tragedy of the 18-year-old racing driver could initiate another discussion about the security in alpine skiing and focus on the root of the problem.