Gran Sasso mountain rescues require multiple helicopter evacuations

Emergency services in Abruzzo, Italy, conducted multiple mountain rescues over a single weekend involving the Gran Sasso massif and surrounding peaks.

On the Paretone wall of Gran Sasso, the Alpine and Speleological Rescue Service (CNSAS) coordinated a complex helicopter operation to evacuate two climbers. One climber was struck in the elbow by falling rocks while climbing the Diedro di Mefisto route. The rescue required high precision from the helicopter crew to perform maneuvers close to the rock face.

In a separate incident at Sella dei Grilli, a hiker suffered a head injury after a rock, dislodged by a chamois, struck them. To assist rescuers, members of the CAI Juniores formed a human arrow shape to help the helicopter crew locate the injured individual.

Additional rescues were carried out at Monte Orsello, where a hiker required treatment for a sprained ankle at an altitude of 2,000 meters. All injured parties were transported by helicopter to receive medical care.