A major rescue operation unfolded Sunday in the Austrian Alps after 36 members of three Chareidi families, including small children and babies, became stranded in dangerous terrain near Sölden at an altitude of approximately 2,300 meters.

The group included citizens of Belgium, Austria, the United States and Britain. According to reports, the families had set out without mountain shoes or basic safety equipment and were traveling with strollers and babies.

They had planned to descend along a wide forest path, but strayed from the intended route and eventually reached steep, exposed terrain where there was a danger of falling. Conditions became especially difficult for those traveling with strollers, and at one point, one of the small children reportedly had to cling to rocks to keep from falling.

Two members of the group called rescue services at approximately 5:15 p.m., prompting the deployment of two helicopters and ground rescue teams.

Fourteen people, including the youngest children, were evacuated by helicopter using ropes, while the remaining 22 hikers were escorted down to the valley on foot by rescuers.

Despite the dangerous circumstances, no one was injured.

The families are expected to bear the full financial cost of the rescue operation, which is expected to amount to thousands of euros.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)