A large-scale rescue operation unfolded Tuesday in the Austrian Alps after 36 tourists from three ultra-Orthodox families strayed from their planned hiking route and became trapped on a dangerous mountain slope.
No one was injured.
(Photo: Sölden Mountain Rescue)
The group, which included Belgian, Austrian, American and British nationals, was hiking in the Sölden area when they became stranded in impassable terrain at an altitude of about 2,300 meters.
According to local police, the hikers were not equipped with mountain boots or basic safety gear. Children were among the group, and some of the families had brought baby strollers with them.
The families had planned to descend along a broad forest trail but left the original route and eventually reached an exposed area without trees where there was a risk of falling.
Jakob Fiegl, the local rescue commander, described the mistake as an extremely common one among inexperienced tourists.
As the route became increasingly steep, the terrain proved particularly dangerous for people traveling with strollers. At one point, one of the younger children was forced to cling to rocks to avoid falling.
Two members of the group called emergency services, prompting the deployment of two helicopters as well as ground rescue teams.
Fourteen people, including the children, were lifted from the mountainside by helicopter using ropes. Rescue personnel escorted the remaining members of the group down the mountain on foot.
All 36 tourists were brought to safety and no injuries were reported.
The hikers are expected to bear the full cost of the rescue operation, which is estimated at several thousand euros.