Dr Peter Kolba, lawyer for the plaintiffs, said he is aware of 11 people with direct or indirect links to the resort who have died as a result of the virus.

He is preparing a criminal case against the state premier of Tyrol as well as the mayor of Ischgl, regional officials and the local cable-car companies.

He argues they made a “commercial decision” to continue the skiing season to its end, which leaves them open to three charges: creating a public danger, spreading the illness and abusing authority through inaction.

Around 500 people have signed powers of attorney to join the case, with applications arriving from around the world “by the minute”.

“Our main focus is on the authorities who, we suspect, acted too slowly with massive pressure from the tourism industry and powerful ski-lift companies,” said Dr Kolba, who heads private consumer affairs body, VKI.