Drama on Slovenia's highest mountain: 40-year-old falls to his death from 150 metres and crashes onto rocks

The Belgian's body was recovered and transported by helicopter to the valley (illustration). Unsplash – Ignat Arapov

This Sunday, August 11, 2024, at around 9:40 a.m., a 40-year-old man from Brussels fell 150 meters while he was mountaineering on the highest mountain in Slovenia.

This Sunday, August 11, 2024, at around 9:40 a.m., a tragedy occurred in Triglav National Park, Slovenia, home to the highest point in the Julian Alps and the country's highest peak at 2,864 meters above sea level, reports 7of7.

A difficult trail

Two friends, a 42-year-old Slovenian and a 40-year-old Belgian, climbed to the top of Triglav via a difficult-to-access trail from Plemenice. When they reached a particularly steep section in Luknja, at an altitude of 1,950 metres, they had to traverse part of the path without steel cables to support them.

The Slovenian climbed this difficult section of the trail first. The Belgian then tried to pass this section, but lost his grip after a few meters. He slipped off the path and fell onto the rocks below.

According to Dean Boznik, a spokesman for the Slovenian police, the man rolled for about 150 meters before remaining motionless. It is very likely that he died instantly due to his serious injuries, despite the fact that he was well equipped with climbing shoes, a helmet, and a harness.

Emergency services alerted

The Slovenian, realizing the accident, immediately alerted emergency services. Unfortunately, despite the efforts of the rescue teams, the Belgian could not be saved. His body was recovered and transported by helicopter to the valley.