In front of the children

Attacked by cows during a hike – one dead

Symbolic image

(Bild: Manuel Schwaiger)

The mother of two daughters was attacked by cows while hiking together in the Gastein Valley (Salzburg) on Wednesday afternoon. Rescue workers were unable to help the local woman. She died at the scene.

A hike in the Gastein Valley ended tragically for a local family. A woman (40) and her daughters (20, 23) were hiking in the Schloßalm area with two small dogs.

Suddenly the cows attacked the women
For unknown reasons, a herd of cows attacked the women. The daughters suffered injuries and were only just able to get to safety. They immediately called the emergency services, but were unable to help their mother. The herd of cows did not move away from their mother.

Only the helicopter chased the herd away
This was only achieved when the emergency helicopter arrived. Despite immediate resuscitation measures by the emergency doctors, the 40-year-old died of her injuries at the scene. 

The two daughters were taken to Schwarzach Hospital by rescue helicopter. Investigations into the exact circumstances of the tragic death are ongoing. The dogs were also given emergency care by the mountain rescuers.

"If at all possible, a dog should be let off the lead in the event of a sudden cow attack," says Gerhard Kremsner, District Manager of Pongau Mountain Rescue.