Dutch Prince In Critical Condition

AMSTERDAM – Dutch Prince Johan Friso was trapped under an avalanche during his ski vacation in Lech, Austria. He was rescued and flown over by helicopter to a hospital in Innsbruck.

Although he has been stabilized, doctors say his condition is still life-threatening and according to unconfirmed reports, he may be brain dead.

The 43 year old prince went skiing with three or four other individuals who are not part of the Royal Dutch family. These individuals were not harmed during the avalanche disaster.

According to Ludwig Muxel, mayor of Lech, the group was skiing on an outside flank when the avalanche occurred.

The accident happened around 12:15 local time, Friday afternoon. The prince was buried under snow for about 15 minutes before he was rescued. Local media said the avalanche was about 100 feet wide and 130 feet long.

The Austrian Alps have received large volumes of snow over the past several weeks, increasing the chances for avalanches. The town of Lech had received a ‘Level 4′ avalanche warning out of a maximum 5.

Skiers in Lech were strongly advised not to leave the ski arena because of increased risks for avalanches.

Lech, which has a population of 1,500, is a popular ski resort for Dutch people. This year however, Austria’s Alps have had more snow than normal and for sometime, Lech was completely inaccessible to the outside world because of heavy snow fall.

Doctors who are treating the Prince have said it is still too early to give a clear diagnosis of his condition and a proper assessment will be made in the next few days.

Prince Johan Friso is the second son of Dutch Queen Beatrix and her husband Prince Claus who died in 2002.

The Royal Dutch family is said to be at the Prince’s bedside at the University Hospital in Innsbruck, Austria.

READ:
 Austria Covered In Snow

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