Angela Merkel fractures pelvis in skiing accident

Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor, has fractured a pelvic bone whilst cross country skiing in Switzerland according to her spokesman Steffen Seibert.

The accident occurred during her Christmas holidays in Engadin, near St Moritz, however she was not aware of the fracture until visiting her doctor upon her return to Germany.  She also suffered heavy bruising in her fall.

Seibert stated that Ms Merkel would have to cancel several appointments, including a trip to Poland and a meeting with Xavier Bettel, Luxembourg’s new Prime Minister. Doctors have advised that she spend much of the next few weeks having complete rest; although she still plans to attend a cabinet meeting this Wednesday, with the aid of crutches. It is the first meeting of all ministers in the new coalition cabinet combining the Christian Democratic Party and the Social Democratic Party.

The dangers of skiing have been much debated recently, especially following Michael Schumacher’s recent accident. He currently remains in a medically induced coma since his fall last week. His condition has been described as critical but stable.

Prior to Merkel’s accident, German gossip magazine Bunte published an article about her Christmas skiing trip, suggesting that she had used the same pair of cross country skis for at least 20 years, alongside a quote from the manufacturer stating that skis should be replaced after 10 years.