Multiple mountaineering mishaps incurred
During the recent fall break weekend in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, also known as Saxon Switzerland, a series of climbing incidents occurred, resulting in injuries and one tragic fatality.
On Saturday, a 66-year-old man met with a fatal accident near Schmilka while climbing the new Wenceslas wall. Despite rescuers' best efforts, he could not be revived on the scene. The exact cause of the fall remains under investigation by the police.
Later that day, at around 17:50, both the Bielatal and Rathen mountain rescue services were called to the Schrammsteine near Bad Schandau. A 40-year-old climber fell approximately 6 meters, with his safety sling giving way.
In another incident, two children, aged 6 and 10, were left alone at a "breakfast spot" in the Schrammsteine. Other climbers took them under their care until they could be reunited with their family.
Meanwhile, a 72-year-old man fell 10 meters while climbing towards the "Backfisch" peak. He sustained severe injuries and was flown to a hospital in Dresden by rescue helicopter Christoph 38.
On the same day, another climbing accident occurred in the area of the "Drohne/Bergfex" rocks in the Schrammsteine near Bad Schandau. The duty team climbed to the injured person and winched them into the helicopter.
Late in the evening, another call-out came in via the police for three Irish guests and a fourth person from the UK who had lost their way in the woods near the Zeughaus in Bad Schandau. All hikers were located and accommodated at the Neumannmühle.
A 33-year-old tourist also twisted his ankle on a step while descending from Bastei to Rathen.
The father of a family, along with his 14-year-old brother, were on a climbing tour to the Torstein. On their descent via Mittelwinkel, another couple from Berlin, who were trying to get to Schmilka in the dark without lamps, were also taken down.
In a separate incident, a 5-year-old child fell around three meters in the labyrinth at Langenhennersdorf. The child sustained a head injury and was taken to the hospital by ambulance.
These incidents serve as a reminder of the risks associated with climbing, even in popular and well-traversed areas like the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. While the region is known for its appealing climbing routes, especially during good weather, accidents can occur with severe consequences. The exact causes of these incidents are currently under investigation.
- In the realm of general-news, a distressing sequence of accidents marred the sport of climbing during the recent fall break weekend in Saxon Switzerland, with a 66-year-old man meeting a fatal end while attempting the Wenceslas wall.
- Furthermore, accidents in sports such as climbing continued throughout the day, as a 40-year-old climber plummeted approximately 6 meters on the Schrammsteine near Bad Schandau, his safety sling strangely giving way.
