Tragic mountain accident: wife drowns, husband seriously injured!

Tragic mountain accident: wife drowns, husband seriously injured!

A tragic mountain accident occurred on Wednesday, August 13th, in Reintal near Garmisch-Partenkirchen. A group of eight hikers, accompanied by a mountain guide, had made their way to the Zugspitze and planned to spend the night in the Reintalangerhütte in order to climb the summit the next day. But fate took a tragic turn.

At around 8:00 p.m. some group members decided to go to the source of the Partna to refresh themselves in the cool water. However, the 49-year-old woman from Speyer had difficulties and could no longer stay afloat in a pool. Her 48-year-old husband and the mountain hiking guide rushed to her aid, but both were swept away by the strong current and fell over a waterfall into the Partnach. The mountain hiking guide managed to save himself.

The dramatic rescue measures

The hut owner reacted immediately and alerted the Garmisch-Partenkirchen mountain rescue service. In complete darkness, two rescue helicopters arrived to initiate the first measures to treat the injured. Despite all efforts, the 49-year-old succumbed to her serious injuries in hospital that same night. Her husband, who also fell, suffered serious injuries, while the couple's two children and another child were traumatized as witnesses to the event.

The mountain rescue service immediately provided the children with support and accompanied them into the valley. A crisis intervention team from the Bavarian Mountain Rescue Service took care of the emotional needs of the children and husband, while relatives from Baden-Württemberg made their way to Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

The investigation and the operation

A total of 13 emergency services from the Garmisch-Partenkirchen mountain rescue service, including four mountain rescue emergency doctors, were on duty. The dramatic operation ended around 2:30 a.m. To clarify the exact circumstances of the accident, the Alpine task force of the Upper Bavaria South Police Headquarters has initiated an investigation.

Tragic accidents in the mountains always remind us of the challenges that nature brings and the responsibility that comes with mountain sports. Our thoughts are with the bereaved and especially with the children affected during this difficult time.

Mercury reports that such a tragedy can have a major impact on active vacationers and that the safety regulations for mountain tours also need to be reconsidered. Although the Alps are a popular destination, caution is advised, especially during unpredictable natural events.