Swiss Hiker Airlifted From Indonesia's Mount Rinjani After Serious Fall

JAKARTA, July 17 (Bernama) -- A 46-year-old Swiss hiker was airlifted to a hospital in Bali after suffering multiple injuries in a fall while trekking on Mount Rinjani, Indonesia’s second-highest volcano, located in Lombok.

Benedikt Emmenegger was descending the Pelawangan trail towards Segara Anak lake on Wednesday when the accident occurred, according to the Mount Rinjani National Park Authority (BTNGR).

“Rescue teams sprang into action after the incident was reported at 11.25 am local time,” said BTNGR head Yarman in a statement.

A joint operation involving park officials, medical personnel, the Rinjani Squad, the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), forest rangers, and volunteers was quickly mobilised.

Yarman explained that emergency responders coordinated with the Mataram Basarnas and Bali Air, which was contacted through the hiker’s insurance, to arrange a helicopter evacuation.

Emmenegger was evacuated from the site at 4.58 pm and flown to a hospital in Kuta, Bali.

A preliminary medical report stated that he sustained fractures to his thigh and arm, along with bleeding near the eye.

“Safety is our top priority,” Yarman said, thanking all involved for their swift and professional response.

Mount Rinjani has come under renewed scrutiny following a series of recent incidents, including the death of 26-year-old Brazilian hiker Juliana Marins, who was found in June after falling into a ravine.

In May, 57-year-old Malaysian climber Rennie Abdul Ghani died in a separate fall, while another Malaysian trekker was injured in late June.

Authorities have advised hikers to exercise caution, while the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism has urged the use of certified guides and licensed trekking operators.

-- BERNAMA