Dutch climber dies after fall in Swiss mountains

A 69-year-old Dutchman died on Friday after a fall in the Swiss Alps, the Graubünden cantonal police announced on Saturday.

On Friday, two Dutch alpinists, aged 60 and 69, set off on a mountain tour from Austria towards the Silvrettahorn. After reaching the summit, they wanted to hike down towards the Schneeglocke, the Graubünden cantonal police said on Saturday.

At 1:30 p.m., the two climbers skirted a terrain obstacle, causing the 69-year-old Dutchman to slip and fall 200 meters down a rock face, suffering fatal injuries, according to the Swiss newspaper 20 minuten.

"His mountain companion immediately called for help," said the cantonal police. A short time later, the 69-year-old was rescued by helicopter. The Swiss authorities are currently investigating how the accident could have happened.

The Silvrettahorn is located on the border between Austria and Switzerland.