Tragedy in the Kamnik Alps: Hungarian hikers’ trek turns fatal – PHOTOS, VIDEO
On the 22nd of December, two Hungarian hikers got lost in the Kamnik Alps, one of Slovenia’s most picturesque but extremely dangerous mountain ranges. They were stranded on the Kamniki saddle, at an altitude of 1930 metres, when one of them, a man, fell and broke his leg. The harsh weather conditions in the mountains, snowfall, strong winds and the risk of avalanches made the rescue operation difficult and it took days to complete.
According to Telex, the rescue operation faced serious challenges from the start. Slovenian mountain rescuers were informed of the victims late on Sunday afternoon. With wind gusts of 100 km/h and near-zero visibility in the area, a helicopter rescue was not possible. Rescuers tried to reach the hikers on foot, but the extreme weather conditions slowed progress. More than 40 rescuers working in the area struggled to make progress, even with the most advanced equipment.
The Kamnik Alps in northern Slovenia, close to the Austrian border, are a beautiful but dangerous mountainous region. The mountain range covers 900 km² and has 28 peaks over 2,000 m, including the highest, Grintovec at 2,558 m. It is popular with hikers, but in the winter months it is a dangerous place, especially due to the danger of avalanches and rapidly changing weather.
Chronology of the dramatic events
The Hungarian hikers got lost on a trail starting from Turska Hill, probably straying from the marked path. According to Telex, rescuers found the woman hiker alive on Monday afternoon. The woman was hypothermic and exhausted, but survived the ordeal unharmed. Her clothes and sleeping bag kept her alive through the cold nights. After being warmed up by rescuers, she descended into the valley under her own power and was taken to hospital.
The male hiker met a tragic end. After the fall, when he was still able to communicate with his companion and the rescuers, he probably tried to return to the path. Tragically, this attempt led to his untimely death as he slid deeper into a ravine. The man’s body was found on Thursday, 250 metres downstream, under two metres of snow. A rescue team used ropes to descend into the gorge to retrieve the body.
The hard work of the rescue team
The rescuers worked with unprecedented determination in difficult conditions. The technical equipment used in the rescue, such as probes and winches, enabled them to search the most inaccessible areas. The close cooperation between the helicopter rescue teams and the foot teams was an outstanding example of teamwork. Jernej Lanisek, head of the rescue team, emphasised that they had managed to carry out one of the most challenging operations of the year, although the result was not entirely successful.
In the wake of the tragedy, the Slovenian Mountain Rescue Service has warned that it is essential to check the weather conditions and plan the route carefully before setting out on a hike. Hikers should be aware of their own abilities and preparedness to avoid similar tragedies.
In a statement, the Mountain Rescue Association expressed its condolences to the family of the deceased and praised the work of the rescuers who carried out their mission in extremely difficult conditions. The rescue operation demanded an unprecedented effort from those involved, who saved lives at the risk of their own.
This tragedy is a warning to all walkers that the power of nature can never be underestimated and that even the most prepared walker can be in danger. While the beauty of the Kamnik Alps is alluring, a lack of responsible planning and caution can easily have fatal consequences.
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