Munich Schoolgirl Dies in Sledding Accident in Austria
Salzburg, February 15 – A tragic school trip to the Austrian Alps ended in disaster when a 13-year-old schoolgirl from Munich died after a sledding accident in the Salzburg region. The incident occurred on Thursday, February 13, during a stay of a Munich school group in the Rauris winter sports area. Another 13-year-old classmate was also seriously injured in the accident.
The deceased student succumbed to her injuries in a Salzburg clinic, as announced by the police on Saturday. The news was first reported by the German media group “Münchner Merkur/tz.”
16-Meter Fall After Leaving the Sledding Track
According to police reports, the 13-year-old girl and her classmate veered off the sledding track and collided with a tree. One of the girls subsequently fell approximately 16 meters down a steep slope into the forest. Authorities did not specify which of the two girls suffered the fall.
Both students were wearing helmets at the time of the accident, a detail confirmed by a police spokesperson to the German Press Agency (dpa). Despite this safety measure, the impact and subsequent fall resulted in severe injuries for both. The cause of the accident remains unclear, and the Austrian Alpine Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.
Injured Schoolgirl in Stable Condition
Following the accident, both seriously injured schoolgirls were airlifted by helicopter to different clinics. The girl who later died was transported to a hospital in Salzburg. Her classmate was taken to the Kardinal-Schwarzenberg-Klinikum in Schwarzach, where she initially received intensive care.
A hospital spokesperson informed dpa that the injured girl is now in a stable condition and has been transferred to a regular ward. Her recovery is ongoing, though the emotional and physical toll of the incident is undoubtedly significant.
Investigation Underway to Determine Cause
The Austrian Alpine Police are meticulously investigating the incident to ascertain how the girls veered off the designated sledding track. Their inquiry will focus on all contributing factors, including the condition of the track, the equipment used, and any other relevant circumstances.
This tragic event brings to mind a similar incident that occurred just over a year ago in the Salzburg region, where a woman from Regensburg also suffered a fatal sledding accident. These incidents underscore the inherent risks associated with winter sports, even when safety precautions like wearing helmets are observed.
The school community in Munich is deeply saddened by the loss of their student, and support is being offered to the affected families and students. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of vigilance and safety in all recreational activities.
This report includes information from dpa.
Source: https://www.br.de/nachrichten/bayern/muenchner-schuelerin-stirbt-bei-rodelunfall-in-oesterreich,VBDRayL
