Former German biathlon champion Laura Dahlmeier has been seriously injured in a rockfall on Laila Peak in northern Pakistan, with rescue efforts underway but hampered by extreme conditions. The accident occurred on Monday at an altitude of 5,700 metres in the Karakoram range, according to a statement from her team.
The 31-year-old was struck by falling rocks, and her climbing partner raised the alarm after reaching safety. However, further rockfalls and the site's remoteness have prevented immediate rescue. Local official Areeb Ahmed Mukhtar confirmed that helicopter rescue is not possible due to challenging conditions.
A ground rescue team comprising three American and one German mountaineer was launched on Wednesday, organised by Shipton Trek & Tours Pakistan. A helicopter flyover spotted Dahlmeier, but rescuers reported no signs of life. Local disaster management official Muhammad Ali described the weather as 'extremely harsh' with rain, strong winds and thick clouds.
Dahlmeier, a double Olympic champion from the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Games, retired from professional biathlon in 2019. She later became a commentator for German broadcaster ZDF and pursued mountaineering, holding certifications as a mountain and ski guide and serving as an active mountain rescue member.
