Avalanche in the Caucasus Mountains: Number of Victims Rising
In the Bezengi Gorge of Russia's Kabardino-Balkaria region, 11 climbers trapped under an avalanche have died. Another six people remain missing, and the search for them is ongoing.
Avalanche in the Caucasus Mountains: Death Toll Rises
On September 6, an avalanche occurred in the Bezengi Gorge in Kabardino-Balkaria, trapping a group of mountaineers underneath. According to information as of the morning of September 7, 11 people died and another six went missing as a result of the incident. This was reported by the regional department of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia.
According to clarified data, ten members of the group managed to escape the danger zone on their own. Another six people sustained injuries of varying severity and were taken to medical institutions.
Currently, large-scale search and rescue operations are continuing at the scene. Fifty-six rescuers and specialists are involved in them. However, the difficult mountain terrain and the risk of new avalanches are complicating the search.
It is reported that the avalanche came down from the slope of Mount Mizhirgi on September 6 at approximately 17:00.
Initially, the Ministry of Emergency Situations reported that there were 15 mountaineers at the scene. At that time, it was stated that two people had died, three were injured, and the whereabouts of another ten people were unknown.
Later, the information was clarified, and it was revealed that there were a total of 33 people in the group. During the search and rescue operation, the data on the number of dead and injured was also updated.
As of 09:00 on September 7, 11 mountaineers had died as a result of severe injuries incompatible with life. The fate of another six people remains unknown for now.
If the weather improves, a Mi-8 helicopter of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations and a commercial helicopter belonging to the "Heliaction" company are planned to be involved in the search for the missing.
Following the incident, the Investigative Committee of Russia initiated a criminal case under an article related to negligence or careless attitude toward official duties. Investigators are determining the circumstances under which the tragedy occurred and the potential causes that led to it.
It is also noted that a warning regarding unfavorable weather conditions was in effect in the area where the incident occurred.