Serious climbing accident in Annweiler: 60-year-old falls 15 meters!

Serious climbing accident in Annweiler: 60-year-old falls 15 meters!

A serious climbing accident occurred on May 22, 2025 in Annweiler am Trifels, a popular climbing area in the Southern Wine Route. A 60-year-old man fell from a height of 15 meters from the Schmalenbühler climbing rock. According to initial investigations, the causes of the fall lie in the improper attachment of the safety rope.

The injured climber suffered serious but not life-threatening injuries and hit the forest floor with slight braking. His partner, who accompanied him, was on the rock without a rope after the fall and was unable to abseil or climb up independently. She had to be rescued by the high-altitude rescue team.

Investigations and security aspects

The police have launched an investigation into the case, but have found no evidence of a crime. The climbing rock is considered a designated climbing area where many climbers spend their free time. Such incidents shed light on the safety aspects of climbing. According to accident statistics from 2022, falls from the ground were common causes of climbing accidents.

The research found that 50% of rope climbing accidents were related to ground falls. Particular risks include improper use of belay devices and lack of communication between partners, which could cause injuries similar to the recent incident. The German Alpine Association (DAV) and the climbing hall association KLEVER e.V. monitor such accidents closely and provide important information on how to improve safety.

Statistical data on climbing accidents

The 2022 accident statistics show that 39 rope climbing accidents were registered in Germany. Two-thirds of these accidents occurred while bouldering, with the most common injuries being leg injuries. About 72% of the ground falls in the lead climb occurred between the 5th and 7th exe. This is directly related to frequent incorrect operation of security devices.

• Unfallursachen Seilklettern 2022:
• Bodenstürze: 49%
• Anprall an die Wand: 28%
• Kollisionen: 13%
• Andere Sportverletzungen: 10%

These statistics make it clear that safety should be the top priority when climbing. Carelessness or technical errors can have fatal consequences, as the incident in Annweiler vividly shows. The climbing community is called upon to promote safe practices and increase knowledge of the proper use of belay devices.

For further information on climbing accidents and safety statistics, the detailed statistics from DAV and KLEVER e.V. can be consulted. Tagesschau reports that… and BergundSteigen provides important data on injuries....