Large-scale operation of Air Zermatt after avalanche collapse
On Saturday morning, a large avalanche occurred in the Alphubel area above Saas-Fee, burying several people. Air Zermatt immediately deployed four helicopters to fly rescue teams and technical equipment to the avalanche cone and search for buried victims.
On Saturday, a total of 16 people were caught in the avalanche. Since every second counts in an avalanche to ensure the survival of those buried, numerous rescue forces were mobilized. Four Air Zermatt helicopters, three Air Glaciers helicopters and one Rega helicopter were deployed on Saturday to carry out the rescue operation.
Fortunately, all of the buried victims were rescued alive by the rescue teams. Two people were flown to hospital by helicopter. In order to avoid further avalanches, three people were evacuated on the summit of the Alphubel.
The rescue team consisted of experienced rescue specialists from Zermatt and the Saas Valley as well as avalanche dog handlers with their four-legged friends. For support, they were accompanied by the local fire departments.
