German Olympic biathlete Laura Dahlmeier injured in Pakistan mountaineering accident

German biathlete and two-time Olympic champion Laura Dahlmeier has been seriously injured in a mountaineering accident in Pakistan, according to German media reports citing her management and a spokesperson for the Pakistani government.

The incident occurred on Monday in the Hushe Valley, located in the mountainous Gilgit-Baltistan region, when Dahlmeier was struck by a landslide, spokesperson Faizullah Faraq confirmed.

Germany’s ZDF broadcaster reported that, as of Tuesday, no emergency response had reached her. However, Faraq stated that local residents were able to evacuate Dahlmeier from the site.

One of her companions, identified as Kraus Marina Eva, reportedly remains trapped at the scene.

Dahlmeier retired from competitive biathlon in 2019 at the age of 25, a year after making history as the first female athlete to win both the sprint and pursuit events at a single Olympic Games.

Her management has not yet responded to Reuters’ request for comment.

According to ZDF, a helicopter search conducted on Tuesday found no signs of life at the site. Faraq noted that rescue efforts are ongoing in coordination with the Pakistan Army, though bad weather has so far prevented helicopters from landing.

The region has been hit hard by seasonal monsoon rains, which have triggered landslides and flash floods. According to Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority, 288 people have died in rain-related incidents since the monsoon season began in late June.