The number of fatalities from the avalanche in Kabardino-Balkaria has risen to 11.
Six climbers have been taken to medical facilities. The fate of the six individuals remains unknown.
As reported by "Caucasian Knot", on September 6, an avalanche struck a group of 15 climbers in the Bezengek Gorge; it was previously reported that two people had died. A criminal case of negligence is being investigated.
As a result of the avalanche in the Bezengek Gorge of Kabardino-Balkaria, 11 climbers have died, and the fate of six members of the group remains unknown, reports the press service of the regional department of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations. "10 people descended on their own, six climbers were injured and taken to medical facilities. Unfortunately, 11 people sustained injuries incompatible with life," the agency's message, quoted by Interfax, states.
The Ministry of Emergency Situations clarified that there were a total of 33 climbers in the group. The fate of another six climbers remains unknown. Search operations, involving 56 people, are ongoing.
"This is a standard place for training sessions"
The death of people in Kabardino-Balkaria under the avalanche is a tragic accident, said Alexander Yakovenko, chairman of the classical mountaineering commission of the Russian Mountaineering Federation.
"This is a standard place for training sessions. The avalanche that occurred is an accident from which no one is insured. These were experienced individuals," TASS quotes his words.
Kabardino-Balkaria is one of the main centers for mountain tourism and mountaineering in Russia. The jewel of the republic is the legendary Elbrus – the highest peak in Europe, at its foot are located ski resorts "Elbrus" and "Cheget".
"Caucasian Knot" reported on other accidents in the mountains of Kabardino-Balkaria. Thus, in mid-August, two climbers died and at least two were injured. At the end of July, during the ascent of Elbrus, five climbers from Bosnia and Herzegovina and one resident of Krasnodar Krai died. In mid-July, during the descent from Elbrus, a 48-year-old climber from Malaysia died, who was in an unregistered group with two guides.
On July 10, two climbers fell into the Adyl-su gorge in Kabardino-Balkaria while ascending Mount Via-tau. One died, the other sustained multiple injuries. On July 7, on Elbrus, a climber from St. Petersburg died suddenly.