Will Pay Thousands of Euros: Haredi Families Rescued with Toddlers in Strollers from the Alps

A massive rescue operation took place today in the Austrian Alps: 36 tourists from three Haredi families went on a hike without basic equipment or hiking boots, strayed from the path, and found themselves on a dangerous slope at an altitude of 2,300 meters. Two helicopters and ground teams were dispatched to the scene, and 14 people, including children, were rescued using ropes. No one was injured, but the tourists are expected to bear the full cost of the operation, amounting to thousands of euros.

A massive rescue operation took place today (Tuesday) in the Austrian Alps, after 36 tourists from three Haredi families went on a hike without basic equipment or hiking boots, strayed from the path, and found themselves on a dangerous slope. The families, which included Belgian, Austrian, American, and British citizens, got stuck in an impassable area at an altitude of 2,300 meters near Sölden. According to local police, the equipment did not include hiking boots or safety gear, and among the hikers were children and baby strollers. The families planned to descend via a wide forest path, but strayed from the route and reached a treeless area with a risk of falling. The local rescue commander, Jakob Figl, said it was a "very common mistake" by inexperienced tourists. The path became steep and dangerous for hikers with strollers, and one child had to cling to rocks to avoid falling. Two group members called emergency services, and two helicopters and ground teams were dispatched. 14 people, including the children, were rescued using ropes from helicopters, and the rest of the hikers were escorted on foot. No one was injured, but the tourists are expected to bear the full financial cost of the rescue operation, which amounts to thousands of euros.