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The four-man bobsleigh with pilot Johannes Lochner fell badly in Altenberg (symbolic image)
Photo: Mayk Wendt / Keystone / dpa
The opening training for the Bobsleigh World Cup in Altenberg was overshadowed by two serious falls. Two-man bobsleigh world champion Johannes Lochner from Berchtesgaden crashed in the four-man bobsleigh in curve section 13/14, as did the Swiss pilot Michael Vogt.
"We are currently clarifying whether something has happened to Hansi's cervical vertebra area," said head coach René Spies to the German Press Agency on Wednesday. The all-clear was given for pusher Erec Bruckert, who was thrown out of the vehicle. He was then taken to the hospital for an examination.
World Cup co-favorite Lochner has to miss the World Cup this weekend. “Now we have to see whether it’s enough for the World Cup in Winterberg,” said Spies. The title fights in Hochsauerland start next week.
Schweizer is hit by his own bobsleigh after falling
The Swiss bobsleigh had it even worse in this difficult passage. Vogt's pusher Sandro Michel was also thrown from the bobsleigh. After the fall, the 210 kilogram sled slid back down the track from the uphill finish line and hit the Swiss, who was lying dazed on the ice, with full force. In such a situation, a four-man bobsleigh can reach a speed of around 50 to 60 kilometers per hour.
Michel was seriously injured. The 27-year-old received emergency medical care immediately and then had to be flown by helicopter to the hospital in Dresden. As the Swiss association Swiss Sliding later announced, Michel sustained injuries to his chest, pelvis and thigh area that required surgery. He was now stable and out of danger, it was said. Pilot Vogt suffered a severe concussion and bruises.
An investigation into the accident was initiated on the railway in Altenberg.
ara/dpa