A difficult operation by mountain rescuers in Pirin ended tragically during the holidays. The main reason for the incident was the lack of appropriate equipment and underestimation of the conditions in the mountain.
The tourist died on the spot after falling from over 300 meters in the area of Vihren Peak along the winter route to the summit, known as "Djamdzhiev Ruff". The incident occurred at around 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, and the signal was submitted to the base of the Mountain Rescue Service (MSS) in Bansko.
Due to the remote and extremely difficult-to-access terrain, a large-scale rescue operation was launched with the participation of a medical helicopter.
„If a person is prepared and knows where he is going and what he is doing, such an incident can always be avoided...
A decision was made to request a helicopter as soon as the signal was received, as the area is difficult and dangerous, explained the head of the MSS – Bansko Blagovest Obetsanov.
Two mountain rescuers were transported by air near the scene of the incident. However, upon reaching the victim, it was found that he had died.
„What was most disturbing was that the victim was without crampons and without a helmet. In this area and under these conditions, this is, to put it mildly, frivolous“, emphasized Obetsanov.
According to initial information, the two tourists were not tied to each other, although one was with crampons. When slipping, the man flew down a steep snowy slope, went over a rock ledge and fell between 200 and 300 meters.
The Mountain Rescue Service of the Bulgarian Red Cross once again appeals for responsible behavior in the mountains.
“Underestimating the situation and the lack of appropriate equipment lead to fatal accidents“, said the head of the Mountain Rescue Service of the Bulgarian Red Cross.
According to him, several serious accidents have been registered in the last week alone, including in Vitosha. The rescuers remind that going alone to the mountains in winter is extremely risky. Among the main recommendations are the use of full winter equipment, advance notification of the route, fully charged mobile phones and mandatory mountain insurance.
“All this can save human lives“, the rescuers are categorical.