Villach man dies after 100 metre fall on Petzeck

A 55 year old man from Villach died after falling about 100 metres while descending Petzeck mountain in the municipality of Mörtschach in the Spittal an der Drau district on Sunday, ORF reported.

The man was hiking with his 53 year old wife when a rock suddenly broke loose beneath his feet on a ridge. Nearby hikers saw the accident and alerted emergency services.

An active mountain rescue member descended to the injured man and provided first aid. However, the emergency doctor arriving by rescue helicopter could only confirm his death.

The crew of the police helicopter Libelle recovered the body from the steep terrain.

Petzeck rises to 3,283 metres above the Adriatic and is the highest peak of the Schober Group on the border between East Tyrol and Carinthia. The route is considered difficult and includes sections requiring climbing.