On 15 October, a climbing mishap on the Zawrat Pass of the Hali Gąsienicowa ridge left one tourist dead and another severely injured, as witnesses struggled to revive him amid dense fog.
Accident near Zawrat Pass on Hali Gąsienicowa Ridge
On 15 October, two tourists fell onto the steel rail of the trail secured with chains while ascending the ridge of the Hali Gąsienicowa near the Zawrat Pass, according to Marcin Józefowicz, incident duty officer for the Tatra Volunteer Rescue Service (TOPR) cited by Fakt.
Outcome: One Death, One Rescued
Though wearing crampons, one tourist could not prevent the fall. He died at the scene. The second sustained serious leg injuries and was airlifted by helicopter to a hospital in Zakopane. Witnesses attempted CPR on the fallen tourist.
Emergency Response Amid Dense Fog
The mountain rescue team could not locate victims immediately due to thick fog that developed in the mountains. They were transported by helicopter to the vicinity of the Black Pond (Czarny Staw Gąsienicowy), then had to reach the casualties on foot before evacuating the injured tourist and the body to Zakopane.
Challenging Conditions in Upper Tatras
The Tatra National Park warned that from about 1900 meters above sea level, snow lingers on trails, is often hard and frozen, creating dangerous ice patches. The forested sections are wet and muddy, with slippery roots and stones. It added that higher elevations demand winter mountain trekking experience and proper gear including crampons, ice axe, helmet, and knowledge of how to use them.
