VIENNA, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- The International Ski Federation (FIS) 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.

The incident happened Tuesday at the Italian resort of Madonna di Campiglio when the drone, which was being used to film the action from above, came crashing down to the ground just behind 26-year-old Hirscher.

FIS will prohibit drones "as long as I am responsible ... because they are a bad thing for safety," men's race director Markus Waldner said, according to The Associated Press on Wednesday.??

"It was huge luck that Marcel was not hurt," Waldner said. "I am very angry."

Hirscher was unhurt, finishing second behind Norwegian winner Henrik Kristoffersen.??