On February 20, a serious accident involving skiers took place around noon at the Čertova pláň ski slope in Harrachov, where the area was crowded with visitors. Despite efforts by local police, they have not received any direct accounts from witnesses who could shed light on the event. Regional police spokesperson Dagmar Sochorová highlighted the urgency in gathering testimony to understand the circumstances surrounding the collision better. The only account so far has come from one of the skiers involved in the incident, which leaves authorities seeking verification of the events from impartial witnesses.

In an attempt to find additional witnesses, police have reached out through their International Relations Department to neighboring countries, including Poland and Germany. While they did receive responses, the only pertinent information came from a person in Germany who saw one of the victims receiving first aid. This lack of eyewitness testimonies hinders the investigation significantly, as police strongly believe that more people must have witnessed the incident given the slope's busy state at the time. They have urged anyone who may have seen the collision to come forward to assist in their inquiries and have made contacting them straightforward through police stations nationwide or via a designated hotline.

As the investigation continues, it is framed within the context of potential negligence leading to unlawful death, which raises concerns about skier safety on crowded slopes. The tragic incident underscores the necessity for clear regulations regarding skier conduct and the importance of accountability in recreational sports. The outcome of this investigation could set precedents on legal responsibilities in similar cases and may prompt a review of safety measures on ski slopes, especially during peak times when crowds are at their highest.