Teen ‘fled’ fatal ski incident when family trip turned into horror | World | News

A teenager allegedly left the scene after a skiing accident that resulted in the death of a 49-year-old man.

The devastating incident occurred on Saturday at a busy track in Schmittenhöhe, Austria. Schmittenhöhe is among the world’s leading ski resorts.

Holidaymakers flock here for the 77-kilometer track.

Authorities launched a hunt for the teenager but he reportedly surrendered on Sunday and is believed to be a 14-year-old Irishman, although his full identity has not been officially released.

According to the information obtained, the collision occurred at around 15:00 on the Hirschkogel ski slope. The 49-year-old and the youth are believed to have crashed at high speed.

Tragically, despite all efforts, the man died at the scene and onlookers said the teenager slipped away from the scene.

Speaking to the Irish Independent, a police spokesman said: “A 14-year-old boy was involved in an accident on Saturday. The family received information from the media that the man had died. They went to a police station in Zell am See and reported that he was the other person involved in the accident.

“Perhaps the child was searched because he did not know that the man was dead. The information we have is that the child was interrogated by the police today and gave a statement at the police station, but there is no further information.

“We have no information as to which part of Ireland the child is from but he is an Irish citizen and is not from Northern Ireland. He was on holiday with his family.”

Police do not yet have information on how the investigation will proceed. However, a statement is usually made to the police and the court then hears the case.

The spokesman added: “The 14-year-olds may be brought before the court but I cannot provide any further information about this case. As we have no further information we cannot say any further… The investigation is ongoing and there are no further details.”

According to the information obtained, the prosecutor’s office ordered an autopsy to confirm how the 49-year-old man died.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: “The Ministry is aware of the report regarding a ski accident that occurred in the Alps.

“Authorities, including those at the Embassy in Vienna, stand ready to provide consular assistance to Irish citizens who request it.”