He took a left on the car and forced the driver to take the lead.

A renowned Slovenian climber, Andrej Štremfelj, suffered injuries after a rockfall while climbing in the northern face of Mount Triglav on Thursday. According to his wife, Marija Štremfelj, he was evacuated by mountain rescuers and transported via police helicopter to the University Clinical Centre in Ljubljana. She confirmed on social media that Štremfelj has since left the intensive care unit and is beginning his recovery process with the support of friends and well-wishers. The incident occurred around 3 p.m. local time in the famous German route of the northern wall of Triglav, where a large block of rock broke off, causing Štremfelj to fall approximately seven meters. He was accompanied by another climber who also sustained injuries. Both were rescued by mountain rescue teams from Mojstrana and the emergency mountain rescue team from Brnik, who used a winch to lift them into the helicopter before transporting them to the hospital. The accident took place in the Dolga Nemška direction of the northern wall of Triglav, a route known for its technical difficulty. Štremfelj, 69 years old, is one of Slovenia's most celebrated climbers. In 1979, he and Nejc Zaplotnik became the first Slovenians and Yugoslavs to reach the summit of Mount Everest. This achievement marked a historic moment in Slovenian mountaineering history. He repeated this feat in 1990, reaching the top of the world’s highest peak alongside his wife, Marija, and climber Janez Meglič, making them the first married couple to stand on Everest together. In addition to Everest, Štremfelj has climbed several other eight-thousand-meter peaks, including Gasherbrum I, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum II, Shisha Pangma, the southern summit of Kangchenjunga, Cho Oyu, and Dhaulagiri. His ascent of Kangchenjunga with Mark Prezl in 1991 earned him the prestigious Piolet d'Or award, which recognizes outstanding achievements in mountaineering. In 2018, he became the first Slovenian to receive the Golden Piolet for lifetime contributions to alpinism. He is the only person to have received both awards. According to reports, the rockfall was not an isolated incident. Mountain rescue services in Slovenia reported multiple interventions due to falling rocks and unstable terrain during the summer months. They emphasized the importance of checking the stability of rocks before taking steps and being vigilant against potential rockfalls. Additionally, they advised climbers to avoid underestimating the risks associated with high temperatures and to ensure proper hydration and preparation before heading into the mountains. Štremfelj's wife, Marija, expressed gratitude to the rescuers, the helicopter crew, and the medical staff at the clinical centre for their swift response and care. She stated that despite the severity of the injury, her husband's condition is stable and not life-threatening. She urged everyone to send positive thoughts and prayers for his recovery. The incident highlights the inherent dangers of mountaineering, even for seasoned professionals. Despite Štremfelj's extensive experience and numerous accolades, the unpredictable nature of the mountains posed a risk that could not be entirely mitigated. His wife's message serves as a reminder of the need for caution and respect towards the natural environment, especially in areas known for their challenging terrain. The rescue operation involved coordination between local authorities and emergency services, demonstrating the effectiveness of the existing infrastructure for handling such incidents. However, the frequency of similar accidents underscores the ongoing challenge of ensuring safety in mountainous regions, particularly during periods of increased activity and environmental instability. As Štremfelj begins his rehabilitation, the focus will shift to monitoring his health and ensuring a smooth recovery. His family and supporters remain optimistic about his prognosis, emphasizing the importance of continued care and attention to his physical and mental well-being. Meanwhile, the broader community continues to reflect on the incident, recognizing the need for heightened awareness and preparedness among all individuals engaging in outdoor activities in mountainous environments.