Oberstdorf - A ton of rock falls on a hiker who can only be rescued dead
In Oberstdorf, southern Bavaria, a falling, tonne-heavy boulder has killed a hiker. The 38-year-old victim was retrieved dead, a spokesperson for the Schwaben South/West Police Headquarters said in the evening. His companion remained unharmed. The origin of the couple was not initially disclosed by the police.
A severe thunderstorm was passing over the area at the time of the accident. The hikers were on their way back to the valley in the Fellhorn region on a well-trodden path when they got caught in the storm. A large tree was uprooted by the storm and crashed into a six-ton boulder, as the police reported further.
Both the tree and the boulder rolled towards the couple on the path. The 38-year-old managed to avoid the tree, but the boulder hit him and trapped him. Reports indicate that he died instantly.
Storm in the Oberstdorf area
The report of the accident was received at around 5:30 PM. The source was not disclosed. The accident site was not directly accessible by car, according to the police. A police unit, along with firefighters and mountain rescue personnel, were on the scene. Helpers described it as a very tragic case.
More storms hit the Allgäu region in the early evening. Rescue services were dispatched to numerous incidents. The German Weather Service had previously warned of severe weather in the Allgäu. Mountain rescue personnel also assisted hikers who were unable to continue due to rising streams.
The initial report about the accident mentioned the unfortunate death of a hiker. The large boulder that rolled down the path was likely pushed by the uprooted tree, which was a result of the storm.
