Avalanches across the Austrian Alps kill eight; rescuers warn skiers to heed warnings
Heavy snowfall triggered multiple avalanches in Austria’s Alps, killing eight people across regions including Pongau and Murtal; rescuers urge skiers to respect repeated avalanche warnings.
Overview
Eight people died in recent avalanches across the Austrian Alps, including three Czech ski tourers buried in Murtal and multiple victims in the Salzburg Pongau region.
Two avalanches struck Bad Hofgastein and the Gastein Valley on Jan. 17, killing five people and injuring at least two others, one with serious injuries.
Rescue teams deployed mountain rescuers, four helicopters, Red Cross dog teams and a crisis intervention unit; responders partially dug out buried victims but some were found dead.
Authorities warned of clear and repeated avalanche danger after heavy snowfall; officials emphasized off-piste travel risk despite warnings, following recent avalanches that killed a 13-year-old and a 58-year-old.
Avalanche incidents also reported in neighboring Switzerland and France in recent days, underscoring widespread hazardous conditions across the Alps and prompting appeals for skier caution.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources present this coverage neutrally, emphasizing factual details — casualty counts, locations, rescue response and official warnings—sourced to the APA, BBC and local rescue officials. Language is measured and descriptive; quoted warnings are attributed. The coverage remains event-focused, with little broader analysis of causes or policy implications.
Sources (3)
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FAQ
The avalanches occurred in Bad Hofgastein, Gastein Valley in the Salzburg Pongau region, and Pusterwald in the Murtal region.
Eight people were killed across three avalanches; in Gastein Valley, four were killed, two seriously injured, and one unharmed; two avalanches in Bad Hofgastein and Gastein Valley killed five and injured at least two.
Rescue teams deployed mountain rescuers, four helicopters, Red Cross dog teams, and a crisis intervention unit to dig out and search for victims.
Heavy snowfall made conditions unstable, especially off-piste; authorities issued clear and repeated avalanche warnings, emphasizing risks despite prior incidents killing a 13-year-old and a 58-year-old.
Check avalanche forecasts from the Austrian Avalanche Service, stick to marked pistes, avoid off-piste areas, carry transceiver, shovel, probe, and consider avalanche safety courses.
History
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