+++ Update, December 25, 6:38 p.m. +++
The search for victims in the Lech-Zürs ski area continues. As reported by the police, the rescue helicopters are no longer in use. However, the rescue workers on the ground continue. The avalanche cone was illuminated for this.
According to ORF.at, more than 100 rescue workers are on duty. “Everything that can be used with headlights and emergency vehicles is used,” said Hermann Fercher from the operations center to ORF.at. “Everything is done to rescue the buried as quickly as possible,” says Fercher.
Foothills of avalanche reach ski slope
As reported by the police, the avalanche went below the Trittkopf in the area of a slope. According to ORF.at, the foothills of the avalanche also reached a ski slope. Several people were buried. In an initial report, there was talk of ten buried people, but the police are now emphasizing that the exact number is unknown.
The operations management has set up in a hotel in Zürs. The mayor, the head of the tourist office and the police spokesman are also on site.
Police are looking for witnesses
Meanwhile, the Lech Police Inspectorate is calling 0043(0)591338105100 for witnesses who can provide information about the course of the accident or missing persons. The officials are also available for relatives of missing winter sports enthusiasts. The officials have set up a collection point for them.
Reference message:
An avalanche went off in the Lech-Zürs ski area in Vorarlberg on Sunday afternoon and, according to the police’s initial findings, buried ten people. In the meantime, the rescue workers have managed to recover a buried person.
One victim was rescued injured
According to the police, around 3 p.m. the rescue and fire brigade control center (RFL) Feldkirch and the police state control center in Bregenz received the report that an avalanche had gone off in the Lech-Zürs ski area in the area of the around 2700 meter high Trittkopf. According to the police’s previous findings, ten people are said to have been buried. One injured person has since been recovered. Helicopters, mountain rescue and avalanche search dogs were deployed.
According to the avalanche warning service, there was a significant avalanche danger in the area on Sunday.