Mountain Rescue Service reports 16 deaths during summer holidays in Slovakia

The Mountain Rescue Service (HZS) reported 281 interventions during the July and August summer holiday period. While the total number of interventions remained consistent with the previous year, there was a significant increase in fatalities. Sixteen people died in the mountains, which is nine more deaths than during the same period last year.

The High Tatras saw the highest number of interventions with 98, followed by Veľká Fatra (57) and Nízke Tatry (33). Most incidents involved light to moderate injuries (201 cases), though 64 individuals required assistance in life-threatening conditions. Tourists accounted for 55 percent of rescues, while cyclists represented 21 percent.

Nationality data shows that the majority of those in difficulty were from Slovakia (122), Poland (66), and the Czech Republic (28). In the High Tatras, Polish nationals made up 48 percent of the 99 people rescued. Notably, eight of the eight holiday fatalities in the High Tatras were Polish citizens.