Jump directly to the content
HORROR IN THE ALPS

Mystery surrounds death of five people killed in Austrian Zillertal Alps climbing tragedy

Local reports suggest the climbers were in an area below a glacier near Krimml where there is an increased risk of landslide.

Alps

FIVE climbers have been killed and one seriously injured following an accident in the Austrian Alps.

The tragedy happened near Krimml in the Zillertal Alps, which is located some 2,000m above sea level.

 Five climbers have been died in an accident in the Zillertal Alps, near Krimml, Salzburg
4
Five climbers have been died in an accident in the Zillertal Alps, near Krimml, SalzburgCredit: AP:Associated Press
 Another person was seriously injured and five rescue helicopters were called to the scene
4
Another person was seriously injured and five rescue helicopters were called to the sceneCredit: AP:Associated Press

Five rescue helicopters were sent to the scene but authorities say they have not established the cause of the accident.

However, it is understood that six people who were climbing with ropes appear to have fallen together.

One person survived the initial drop and was flown to hospital in Salzburg by the emergency services.

Local reports suggest the climbers were in an area below a glacier where there is an increased risk of rock slides.

The spot is believed to be Mannlkarscharte, a pass in the mountain range.

 The Zillertal Alps in Austria where the climbing accident took place.
4
 The Zillertal Alps in Austria where the climbing accident took place.Credit: Getty - Contributor
 The location of the Zillertal Alps in Austria where one person out of six survived the accident
4
The location of the Zillertal Alps in Austria where one person out of six survived the accident

Anton Voithofer, head of the Red Cross rescue team, said: "We think a rope may have come loose."

The names and nationalities of the victims are yet to be released.

It is thought to be the most lethal climbing accident in Austria's mountaineering season this year.


For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online, where we will bring you live updates as soon as they happen, before anyone else.

Like us on Facebook at , and follow us from our main Twitter account at , where we will bring you this story and all the rest of the top news and exclusives of the day.

is your go to destination for the best celebrity news, football news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.


 

Topics