A series of accidents in the Tatra Mountains: one person dead, many injured
Difficult conditions in the high parts of the mountains led to tragic events on Orla Perć and in the Zawrat area.
Quick Look
- There were a series of accidents in the Tatra Mountains caused by difficult conditions and lack of adequate preparation of tourists.
- One man died after falling in the Zawrat area, others were injured in Orla Perć, Kulczyńskie Żleb and near Świnica.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The conditions in the higher parts of the Tatra Mountains are extremely difficult, there is frozen snow, which makes moving difficult even for experienced tourists.
The serious accident occurred in one of the most demanding areas of the Tatra Mountains - on Orla Perć, near Kozia Przełęcz. The tourist fell from a height of about 100 meters. The man suffered serious head and limb injuries.
TOPR rescuers immediately rushed to the scene and, using a helicopter, transported the injured person to a hospital in Zakopane.
According to rescuers, the tourist was not properly prepared for the difficult conditions in the mountains. Despite going to the higher parts of the mountains, the injured person did not have crampons or an ice ax, only crampons, which are not suitable for the conditions prevailing in this part of the Tatra Mountains.
Death after a fall near the Zawrat Pass
Around noon, another accident occurred - a man fell several hundred meters near the Zawrat Pass. The witnesses of the event started resuscitation, and after arriving at the scene, it was taken over by TOPR rescuers. The tourist was transported to hospital in critical condition, where, despite the efforts of doctors, he died.
Rescuers also intervened in the area of Mała Przełęcz, where a tourist suffered a leg injury after slipping. Two more people fell down the Kulczyńskiego Żleb. They suffered minor injuries. They were taken away by a helicopter.
The TOPR helicopter also took part in a rescue operation on the trail between Zawrat and Świnica, where a woman got stuck, who - according to the rescuer - suffered a panic attack and was unprepared for the prevailing conditions.
Difficult conditions
As rescuers emphasize, when planning trips, you should review your equipment, but above all, the skills needed to complete the trail. Currently, extremely difficult conditions prevail in the higher Tatras. There is frozen snow. Rescuers have had their hands full since morning.
TOPR calls for caution. Even experienced hikers have problems navigating icy trails.
On steep, icy slopes, it is very difficult to provide effective protection, and stopping a fall on frozen snow with an ice ax may be practically impossible.
Open Questions
- How many tourists are currently staying in the high parts of the Tatra Mountains?
