A tragic avalanche struck the Karwendel mountains in Tirol, Austria, on Saturday morning, engulfing a German hiker and later a mountain rescuer.

The incident occurred near the Binsalm area in the municipality of Vomp, where a group of about 30 hikers was traversing.

Initially, a 70-year-old German man was buried under the snow, lacking an avalanche transceiver, complicating rescue efforts.

The rescue operation faced severe challenges due to poor weather conditions, which initially prevented helicopter access.

However, as the weather improved, helicopters from Germany and Austria, along with search dogs, were deployed.

Unfortunately, a subsequent avalanche partially buried a rescuer, who was later safely extracted with minor injuries.

Despite the improved weather, the high avalanche risk forced the suspension of the search by 3 PM, with plans to resume once conditions are deemed safe.