Avalanche sweeps away three freeriders near Andermatt UR
Published: Saturday, Dec 16th 2023, 23:10
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Three winter sports enthusiasts were swept away by an avalanche on the Älpetligrat near Andermatt UR on Saturday. One freerider was buried and seriously injured. He was taken to hospital in a critical condition. Another person was slightly injured.
The three freeriders were skiing down a slope when the avalanche broke loose at around 2.30 pm, according to the Uri cantonal police. The avalanche swept the three athletes away. A fourth person, who was still on the ridge, made an emergency call.
One of the freeriders was reportedly buried under around two meters of snow. He had to be located with a search device. When he was dug out, he was no longer conscious. The rescuers initiated resuscitation. The injured man was flown by helicopter to a hospital outside the canton.
The two other winter sports enthusiasts managed to deploy an airbag in time. One person was able to free himself. The second freerider was able to dig himself out up to his waist and was eventually rescued from the snow.
The cause of the avalanche was initially unclear. The police launched an investigation.
©Keystone/SDA
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