Devastating avalanche claims Hungarian life in Italy’s snowy paradise

A devastating avalanche claimed the life of a Hungarian man on Monday in Italy’s dramatic Trentino–Alto Adige (South Tyrol) region, deep in the Aurina Valley. The devoted husband tragically lost his life, while his wife miraculously escaped unscathed, as the local newspaper Corriere dell’Alto Adige reported on its website.

The couple had been trekking up Mount Riesernock when the roaring avalanche thundered down the steep mountainside. Early reports indicate that the Hungarian adventurers were carefully descending into the valley along the Arthur Hardegen trail when, at an altitude of around 2,500 metres, a deadly snow slide was triggered. The sheer force of the avalanche swept the 52-year-old man 200–300 metres to his death, while his wife was only lightly struck by the icy torrent and escaped without injury, according to the Hungarian News Agency wrote.

Authorities were alerted shortly after 5 p.m. A mountain rescue team from the financial police rushed to the scene aboard a Pelikan 2 helicopter. However, by the time the carabinieri and fire brigade arrived amid the chaos, it was already too late to save him.

At present, the Aurina Valley remains one of South Tyrol’s last snowy paradises, continuing to attract thrill-seeking skiers and hikers with its breathtaking but unforgiving alpine terrain.

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