Irish Teenager Questioned Following Tragic Ski Collision in Austrian Resort
An Irish teenager has been questioned by Austrian authorities following a fatal skiing collision that resulted in the death of a 49-year-old man in the popular alpine resort of Zell am See. The incident represents the second reported fatal accident in the Austrian mountains within a 48-hour period, casting a shadow over the region's winter sports season.
Details of the Fatal Incident on Schmittenhöhe Mountain
The collision occurred at approximately 3pm on Saturday on the slopes of Schmittenhöhe mountain in the Salzburg region. According to police statements, a 49-year-old Austrian man, who was local to the area, tragically died at the scene following an impact with another skier.
The other individual involved was identified as a 14-year-old Irish boy who was holidaying with his family in Zell am See. The teenager has not been publicly named due to his age and the ongoing nature of the investigation.
Police Investigation and Legal Considerations
After learning about the fatality through local media reports, the boy's parents voluntarily contacted Austrian police on Sunday to inform them that their child was the other person involved in the accident. A police spokesperson explained that authorities had been searching for the boy, as he may not have been aware of the fatal consequences of the collision.
The teenager was interviewed by police on Sunday and provided a formal statement as part of their investigation. Notably, the age of criminal responsibility in Austria is 14, placing the boy within the jurisdiction of the country's legal system.
A police representative told media outlets: "The young boy came to the police station with his mother a day after the crash. The police in Zell am See took his statement, and he was free to go. This is now a matter for the courts to decide what happens to the child."
Autopsy Results and Judicial Process
The investigation will be significantly informed by the results of an autopsy conducted on the deceased man. Police emphasised that these findings will be crucial in determining the exact circumstances of the death.
"The results from the autopsy are important as it shows exactly how the man died," the police spokesperson stated. "But it is not for the police to say if he should go to court. It is for a judge."
Initial reports indicate there is no suggestion that the collision was deliberate, with Austrian police treating the incident as a tragic accident. The boy has been released pending further investigation and potential judicial proceedings.
Separate Fatal Incident in Austrian Mountains
In an unrelated but similarly tragic development, a 14-year-old Czech boy lost his life on Monday morning after veering off-piste at the Feuerkogel resort in Upper Austria. The teenager, whose identity has not been released, was discovered by a cable car employee who happened to be passing the area.
Emergency services attempted resuscitation for approximately one hour before the child was pronounced dead at the scene. Feuerkogel, located approximately 200 kilometres west of Vienna, is known for offering year-round experiences for skiers and hikers, including family-friendly slopes.
The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs has been approached for comment regarding the incident involving the Irish teenager, while Zell am See police continue their investigation into the fatal collision.
