A MOUNTAIN ACCIDENT AND LOSS OF LIFE.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 2540, 20 October 1888, Page 2 (Supplement)

A MOUNTAIN ACCIDENT AND LOSS OF LIFE.

A correspondent writes from Schladming, Styrbi:—" A sad Alpine accident, resulting iu the death of two strong healthy men in tho prime of life, has taken place in this neighbourhood. Three gentlemen from Judenburg arrived here by train, with the intention of a-cending the Daclistein, and proceeded at once to the Austrializtte, erected by the Austriau Alpitie (Jlub, a walk of about three hours from the Nation. They started from there a u . half past ono in the morning, accompanied by one of the best, guides, Johear Stciuer, and, being all strong men accustomed to mountaineering, they reached tho summit, of the Dachstein about S a. hi. without any mishap. They had again safely descended from the mountain and had crossed the glazier Carl Eisfeld, when they had to walk ou a narrow ledge covered with newly-fallen snow along a steep wall, holding ou by wire rope. The guide led the way, and was followed by the three tourists in single file, without being roped together. The first of the three suddenly slipped, and, with a cry, fell down the precipice, followed immediately by the next man, who was walking closely after him, whilst the third man started back in time to save himself. The guide without loss of time climbed down to the unfortunate men, who had had a fall of about 90 feet, and having ascertained that one of them was alive and even conscious, sent off the surviving tourist to the club hut for help. The accident happened at about 11. 45 a. m. and soon after four a messenger arrived at this place to fetch a doctor. Iu the meantime a large party of men had started from the club hut, and soon afterwards brought back the two men. One of them, Mr. Zeidler, a doctor of law was able to speak about the accident, but died about three hours after the fall. The bodies were brought down to this place early the next day. They were both strong men of about 30 years of age. The one who was killed on the spot was a Forest official, and had a most powerful frame. Both were clothed in well-worn mountaineering attire, the best proof that they were no novices. The Dachstein is 9,830 feet high, and although it is ascended every year by a number of tourists, there has not been a fatal accident, as I am informed, since 1856."