A tragic incident took place in Austria a couple of days ago, when a UK tourist attempting to climb an aerial ladder, popularly known as the stairway to heaven, lost his life, according to the media reports. Reportedly, the 42-year-old adventurer was solo-climbing the ladder scaling over 90 metres in height when he slipped and fell into the valley below on September 12.UK tourist dies after falling from stairway to heaven in AustriaDuring the rescue operation, police officers and two rescue helicopters were dispatched to the location to rescue him. However, the man could not be saved. His body was recovered by the rescuers.Meanwhile, the authorities have ruled out any third-party negligence, saying the climber was alone at the time of the accident. Also, his identity was not disclosed.About aerial ladderNotably, the ladder, which rises steeply in the Dachstein Mountains outside of Salzburg, is promoted as the new top attraction on the Zwieselalm for climbing enthusiasts on the Dachstein region tourist website.It is described as a climb done in four stages, with the ladder offering an ultimate adrenaline kick.“The Panorama-ladder with its 40 metres is the new top attraction for all fans of via Ferratas. The via ferrata on the Donnerkogel at the Zwieselalm in Gosau at Dachstein presents amazing and breathtaking views of the glacier of Dachstein, as well as of the highest mountain of Austria — the Grobglockner. The ladder to heaven was built by Outdoor Leadership with their professional climber Heli Putz,” says the website.Yet, it also includes a warning that the climb is only for experienced climbers and should be undertaken in mild weather conditions and calm winds. Moreover, it is rated as moderate/difficult and not recommended for beginners.
