Deadly Avalanche Reported in Austria’s Höllengebirge Mountains

Rescuers Race to Locate Missing Hikers After Avalanche Kills One, Injures Another

Emergency services are searching for two hikers who went missing after an avalanche in Austria’s Höllengebirge mountains on Saturday, claiming the life of a third hiker.

The avalanche occurred at around 1:30 p.m. local time on Saturday, near the Rinnkogel mountain in the Höllengebirge range. Three hikers were caught in the avalanche, one of whom was killed on impact.

The deceased hiker was identified as a 36-year-old woman from the Upper Austrian town of Wels. The other two hikers, a 32-year-old woman and a 35-year-old man, both from Linz, were able to free themselves from the snow and call for help.

Emergency services, including mountain rescue teams and helicopters, were quickly dispatched to the scene. The injured hiker was airlifted to a nearby hospital, where she is being treated for serious injuries.

The search for the missing hikers is ongoing, but conditions are challenging due to the risk of further avalanches. The Höllengebirge mountains are known for their steep slopes and unpredictable weather conditions.

Authorities are urging hikers to be cautious in the area and to check the avalanche forecast before venturing into the mountains.