In a tragic turn of events, five off-piste skiers have lost their lives in two separate avalanches in the Austrian Alps, specifically in the Pongau area near Salzburg. The series of avalanches occurred following substantial snowfall in the region, raising concerns about the safety of skiing in these conditions.
The first avalanche struck a group of seven skiers, resulting in the deaths of four individuals and leaving one person seriously injured. Just hours earlier, another avalanche swept away a female skier in the same vicinity.
Local mountain rescue officials received alerts for the incidents around 14:00 local time. While four of the skiers were found deceased, efforts were made to stabilize and treat the seriously injured skier. This unfortunate event underscores the increasing danger levels as poor weather conditions have led to multiple fatalities in the Alps over the past week.
Our deepest sympathies go out to the families. This tragedy painfully demonstrates how serious the current avalanche situation is, expressed Gerhard Kremser, head of the Pongau mountain rescue service.
The avalanche hazards appear to be widespread in the region, with additional avalanches reported throughout the day, although no injuries were reported from these later incidents. Previous fatalities this week have involved a 13-year-old boy in Bad Gastein and a 58-year-old skier in the Tyrolean resort of Weerberg.
The dire situation is not limited to Austria, as neighbouring Switzerland and France also experienced tragic avalanche-related fatalities among skiers in recent days. As authorities continue to monitor conditions closely, winter sports enthusiasts are reminded to check avalanche warnings and exercise caution.
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