Drone nearly hits ski racer

The international ski federation is banning camera drones from its World Cup races after a drone crashed and nearly hit Austrian skier Marcel Hirscher during a slalom in Italy.

FIS men's race director Markus Waldner tells The Associated Press that drones will be prohibited "as long as I am responsible .... because they are a bad thing for safety."

The unmanned flying object carrying a TV camera came down and shattered on the icy slope just behind Hirscher during Tuesday night's race in Madonna di Campiglio. The four-time overall champion was unhurt and continued his run, finishing second behind Norwegian winner Henrik Kristoffersen.

FIS said that:  "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."

The company responsible for the camera drone released a statement on the incident.

Infront stated:  "During the slalom race of the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup in Madonna di Campiglio/Italy in the evening of 22 December 2015, an unmanned drone carrying a broadcast camera crashed to the snow during the second run of Austrian ski racer Marcel Hirscher."

It went on to say:  "We are extremely relieved that apparently none was hurt. At the same time, this incident is being taken‎ very serious and the circumstances leading to it are currently being examined. An update will be provided as soon as secured information is available."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.