Easter Rescue

Easter Rescue: for the first time ever, a mountain guide is to be indicted.

After an extensive criminal investigation, Nova Gorica police filed a criminal complaint for irresponsible guiding in the mountains. According to our information, due to reasonable suspicion of causing general danger, they indicted the mountaineering club and the mountain guide who on Easter Sunday in adverse weather conditions led a group of six hikers to Mala Mojstrovka. An avalanche swept the hikers from the most visited peak in the Julian Alps, five of them seriously injured. Rescuers also had a difficult task due to fog and snowfall.

The group of hikers set off on April 9 this year with a hired guide for a safe mountain hiking course to Mala Mojstrovka. All seven were carried away by an avalanche just below the summit – approximately 150 meters deep.

Due to poor visibility, the rescue lasted seven hours. 53 mountain rescuers participated, including helicopters from the Police and the Army. All seven were brought to the valley. After more than five months, Nova Gorica criminal investigators concluded the investigation and for the first time in history – unofficially indicted the guide.

As stated by PU Nova Gorica, based on all findings in the pre-trial procedure against one natural person, a criminal complaint will be filed with the District State Prosecutor's Office in Nova Gorica due to reasonable suspicion of committing the criminal offense of causing general danger. Likewise, a criminal complaint will be filed against a legal entity.

The group of six indeed hired and paid to reach the summit safely. The conditions were extremely poor at first glance. Which the guide should have known, although he allegedly did not have the appropriate license. Safety was also guaranteed by the club that organized the course for hikers. Unofficially, it is the Jeti sports club, which in addition to winter mountaineering offers safe via ferrata visits and ski touring.

If the court confirms the Police's reasonable suspicions, those responsible face up to a maximum of 10 years in prison.

Source: https://www.24ur.com/novice/slovenija/velikonocno-resevanje-prvic-doslej-naj-bi-policija-ovadila-gorskega-vodnika.html