They slipped on a closed trail. This could have ended in tragedy
Four people fell from a closed peak in the Karkonosze Mountains. A GOPR helicopter entered the rescue operation.
The number of accidents in Polish mountains is increasing. The first winter break began with a serious accident in the Karkonosze Mountains. On Sunday, GOPR set out to rescue four people who fell from the slope of Wielki Szyszak. The tourists were traveling along the trail, which remains closed to visitors in winter. The moment was enough for them to slip on unsteady ground and fall into the abyss.
Tourists went to Wielki Szyszak despite the ban
Climbing Wielki Szyszak, the fourth highest peak (1,509 m above sea level) in the Karkonosze Mountains in summer should not cause any major problems for the average climber. However, in winter it can be very dangerous here. Four tourists found this out when, despite warnings against icing, they entered a closed trail on Sunday. While following the red route around noon, they suddenly slipped, lost their balance and tumbled down the slopes of the mountain. The Mountain Volunteer Rescue Service immediately arrived on site. According to the regional website Naszamiasto.pl, two people who fell several dozen meters were helped on the spot. In the case of the remaining two, which were found 300 meters below, it was necessary to call a helicopter. The accident was so serious that a second helicopter was called two hours after the operation began.
This could have ended in tragedy
The rescuers managed to find the injured quickly enough and transport them to the hospital. According to Gazeta Wyborcza, one of the tourists suffered a broken arm and leg, as well as cuts. The second one suffered head and spine injuries. “These people had arms, but in such difficult conditions it is not enough. It should be noted that the trails are closed because they are not suitable for walking in winter,” explains the head of the Karkonosze GOPR. This type of accidents occurs regularly in the mountains during the winter season. That is why, before setting out on the trail, it is so important to ensure proper preparation and supplement knowledge about the threats.
