An Irish teenager reportedly fled the scene of a skiing incident that resulted in the death of a 49-year-old man.
The tragic occurrence occurred on a well-known slope in Schmittenhöhe, Austria, over the weekend. Schmittenhöhe is recognized as a premier ski destination globally, offering 77km of slopes for skiing enthusiasts.
Following the incident, authorities initiated a search for the teenager. He later surrendered himself on Sunday and is identified as a 14-year-old from Ireland, although his full identity remains undisclosed.
The collision, which led to the fatality, transpired around 3pm on the Hirschkogel ski slope, where the man and the teenager apparently collided at high speed. Despite rescue efforts, the man succumbed to his injuries at the scene, with witnesses noting that the teenager departed from the site of the accident.
According to a police representative cited by the Irish Independent, the teenager’s family learned about the man’s demise through media reports. Consequently, they visited a police station in Zell am See to report the teenager’s involvement in the incident.
The spokesperson stated that the boy, an Irish citizen on vacation with his family, was interviewed by the police and provided a statement. However, specific details regarding the investigation’s progression remain undisclosed at this time.
The police spokesperson emphasized that individuals aged 14 can face legal proceedings but refrained from providing further details on the ongoing investigation. They confirmed that the case would likely proceed to court following a police statement.
Reports indicate that the public prosecutor’s office ordered an autopsy to determine the cause of the 49-year-old man’s death.
In response to the incident, the Department of Foreign Affairs expressed readiness to offer consular assistance to Irish citizens upon request, including support from Embassy Vienna.