Fatal Avalanche Accidents in Vinschgau
A report from Glurns details severe avalanche accidents around Christmas 1836 on high-mountain roads near Trafoi and Stilfs. A postal dispatcher, a road supervisor, and a young man lost their lives in the snow masses.
Full transcription
Appendix.
From Glurns, it is reported to us under date of 29 December: On the most recent Christmas Day, the 23-year-old post dispatcher Johann Ortler of Franzenshöhe and the road supervisor Peter Casnati, returning home from church in Trafoi, were swept down into the depths by a snow avalanche on the winding bends and buried underneath. Although the inhabitants of the nearest communities of Stilfs and Brad were promptly encouraged to search, given the enormous masses of snow, recent avalanche falls, and the inaccessibility of the surrounding high mountains, not even the recovery, let alone the rescue of the victims, is to be expected. — On the following day, the 18-year-old Jakob, son of Stephan Tröger of the Löschhof farm in the municipality of Brad, was walking to church with two companions and was likewise struck by an avalanche and killed without rescue, while his companions, though also buried in snow, escaped with a fright.
Also this month
- Der Bote für Tirol1830s4 tags
Appointment at the District and Criminal Inquest Court in Meran
The Gubernium filled the vacant post of adjunct of the first class at the District and Criminal Inquest Court in Meran. The position was conferred upon Johann Kiechl, previously adjunct of the second class.
- Der Bote für Tirol1830s3 tags
Avalanche near Burgeis
On the evening of 31 December 1836, an avalanche struck near Burgeis once again, damaging a residential house and several barns. Because the residents were away from home at the time, no casualties were reported.
1837 at a glance
The year 1837 in Meran was characterized on one hand by the dramatic consequences of severe winter and avalanche disasters, and on the other by significant steps toward its establishment as a health resort. Key milestones included the high-profile visit of Queen Mother Maria Isabella of Naples and the publication of Dr. Johann Nepomuk Huber's seminal work on the therapeutic climate. These developments were complemented by local events such as the commemoration of Andreas Hofer and administrative updates. →
Cite & share
"Fatal Avalanche Accidents in Vinschgau." Der Bote für Tirol, 5 January 1837. https://www.meran-archive.com/en/artikel/1837-01-05-toedliche-lawinenungluecke-im-vinschgau