Three Latvian climbers have died after falling near a treacherous pass on Denali, North America’s highest peak, Latvia’s mountaineering group said Friday.
A fourth member of the mountaineering expedition was rescued in critical condition.
Denali, also known as Mount McKinley, stands at an elevation of 20,310 feet (6,190 m). Above sea level in the US state of Alaska.
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Denali National Park and Preserve said a group of seven people were on the popular West Buttress route to the summit when four climbers fell while climbing near Denali Pass on Wednesday.
The route is known for its crevasses, steep ice and exposed peaks, with several injuries and deaths occurring on it over the years.
The park service said the accident occurred at an altitude of more than 5,500 meters.
The remaining three climbers of the group initially cared for those who had fallen before returning to a camp at an altitude of about 5,100 metres.
defending on a treacherous pass
The rescued climber was pulled out of a mountain basin at a height of about 5,240 meters by search and rescue personnel of the park on Thursday afternoon.
The park service said a long line of helicopters were used for the rescue because terrain and conditions prevented helicopters from landing.
The survivor was then transferred to an air ambulance to be taken to hospital.
The Latvian Mountaineering Federation described the victims as “talented and experienced” climbers.
“This is an extremely painful, irreparable loss for the entire family of Latvian mountaineers,” the organization said in a statement posted on its website.
Edited by: Shawn Sinico
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