Avalanche Kills Two Skiers in High Tatras

Vysoke Tatry, 25 February (TASR) - An avalanche in the Mengusovska Valley in the High Tatra mountains claimed the lives of two skiers on Wednesday, the Air Transport Europe (ATE) rescue service reported on social media on the same day. A rescue helicopter was called to respond to an avalanche reported in the Mengusovska Valley on Wednesday afternoon. "According to witnesses who reported the avalanche, there were two skiers involved. One of the men was dug out from under the snow, but showed no signs of life. The witnesses immediately began lay resuscitation, and after the arrival of rescuers, extended cardiopulmonary resuscitation continued under the guidance of a doctor. Despite maximum efforts, spontaneous circulation couldn't be restored and the doctor had to declare the man dead on the spot," reported ATE. The second skier remained buried. Rescuers managed to locate him using an avalanche transceiver and then dig him out from under the snow. "Unfortunately, the injuries he sustained in the fall and subsequent burial were incompatible with life. The doctor could only pronounce him dead in this case, too," specified the air rescuers. In view of increased avalanche danger, ATE has urged mountain visitors to carefully consider their movements in high-altitude terrain, especially in areas marked as risky. Due to the ongoing warm weather, further deterioration of the avalanche situation can be expected. ko