site.btaIrish Tourist Dies in Hospital a Day After Sufferring 600-Metre Fall Near Bansko Resort

The Irish tourist injured in an accident near the Bansko ski resort on Tuesday has died, the Bulgarian Red Cross said here on Wednesday.

The tourist suffered serious injuries after falling from a height of some 600 metres near the Banderitsa Hut. The rescue operation and his transportation involved a rescue team of the Mountain Rescue Service in Bansko.

The victim was transported in serious condition with multiple injuries to the hospital in Razlog, where he died the following day.

In a press release, the Mountain Rescue Service (MRS) of the Bulgarian Red Cross said that on January 28, 2025, at 2:30 pm, Ivaylo Lefterov, who was on duty at the MRS, received a call about an incident in which a 29-year-old Irish tourist was seriously injured after falling near Banderitsa Hut under Todorka Peak. According to initial information, the tourist was part of a group taking photos against the backdrop of the beautiful scenery when he lost his balance and fell from a height of about 600 metres.

The rescue team of the MRS - Bansko assessed the condition of the victim as very serious and assistance was sought by air through the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service. A rescue helicopter was dispatched but had to abort the mission and return to base due to a technical failure.

Although the helicopter was unable to reach the injured, the rescue operation continued on the ground and thanks to the fast and professional work of the MRS team, the injured tourist was given first aid and transported with a stretcher in a vacuum mattress to Banderishka Polyana, from where he was taken down alive by a snowmobile to the parking lot of the Old Anchor and then to the hospital in Razlog by ambulance, where he succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday.

The MRS warned about ice in the mountains on Wednesday, urging tourists to avoid steep routes.