(ATR) The International Ski Federation is investigating the drone crash that nearly hit top skier Marcel Hirscher.
During Hirshcher’s second run in the World Cup slalom in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy on Tuesday, a broadcasting drone crashed, narrowly avoiding the Austrian. The drone was part of the FIS’ broadcast partner Infront Sports and Media’s television production.
Both organizations are investigating the incident and in a statement, FIS said: "While FIS and its partners aim to use new technology to enhance the fan experience, an accident such as the drone crash cannot happen again.
"Even if – unlike in Austria, Switzerland and other countries – drones are authorized to fly over a crowd during events in Italy, FIS and the host broadcaster will work together with all the involved parties to see what occurred during the crash and ensure that it will not happen again," the statement continued.
Infront Sports and Media added: "Infront apologizes to Marcel Hirscher and to FIS for the unfortunate incident with the drone. Detailed technical analyses will be conducted and more information will be given as soon as possible."
For his part, Hirscher said if changes are not made at future races, he will not compete.
"I won’t accept doing any more races if a drone there," Hirscher said. " I won’t race unless the drone can be moved outside the race course.
"I’m really pissed. It was an early Christmas gift," Hirscher said about escaping injury.
Following the incident, Hirscher managed to finish second in the night race contested under floodlights.
Hirscher, the four-time overall World Cup champion, said the incident could have resulted in severe consequences.
"I’m really happy with my own performance, but I can’t enjoy it because of the drone that crashed right behind me," Hirscher told Norwegian TV2.
"I have a drone at home and it weight around three kilos," Hirscher noted. "The one that fell is estimated between five and 10 kilos. When you get hit skiing at 50 kilometers per hour with an object from 20 meters high, you could get seriously injured."
The cause of the accident was not immediately known.
Madonna di Campiglio Organizing Committee president Lorenzo Conci addressed media after the incident.
"I was terrified because I think it was something that could never happen," Conci said. "We were very lucky because something very bad could have happened."
With his second place result, the 26-year-old Hirscher regained the lead in the overall World Cup standings.
Watch the footage of the near miss below:
Written by Brian Pinelli in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.
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