A skiing accident in Schmittenhöhe, Austria, resulted in the death of a 49-year-old man on Saturday. The incident unfolded around 15:00 local time on the Hirschkogel ski slope, a popular destination known for its extensive 77-kilometer network of ski runs. Reports indicate that the deceased and a 14-year-old boy allegedly collided at high speed, leading to the tragic outcome.
Following the accident, the teenager reportedly left the scene. Authorities initiated a search for him, but he turned himself in the next day. The boy, an Irish citizen, was on vacation with his family at the time of the incident. While his full identity has not been disclosed, it has been confirmed that he is not from Northern Ireland.
A spokesperson for the local police stated to the Irish Independent, “A 14-year-old boy was involved in an accident on Saturday. The family got information in the media that the man died. They went to a police station in Zell am See and reported he was the other one involved in the accident.”
Witnesses described the moments following the collision, stating that the boy skied away from the site of the accident. Law enforcement officials continued to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. As part of the protocol, an autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death of the 49-year-old man.
The police spokesperson added, “There was a search for the boy, as maybe he did not know the man had died. The information we have is that the boy was interviewed by police today and he made a statement at the police station, but there’s no further information.” Although the investigation remains ongoing, details about how it will progress are yet to be determined.
According to the police, individuals as young as 14 can face court proceedings in such cases, but specifics about any potential charges are currently unavailable. The Department of Foreign Affairs has acknowledged the incident, stating, “The Department is aware of reporting on a skiing accident in the Alps. Officials, including those in Embassy Vienna, stand ready to provide consular assistance to Irish citizens that request it.”
The ski community and local authorities are expressing their condolences as they navigate the aftermath of this tragic event, emphasizing the importance of safety on the slopes.
