The number of climbers killed in the avalanche in Kabardino-Balkaria has risen to 14.
The body of another climber has been found at the site of the avalanche on Mount Mijirgi in the Bezengi Gorge of Kabardino-Balkaria, bringing the death toll to 14 people. Earlier, 13 fatalities were reported, and the fate of four individuals remained unknown.
As reported by "Caucasian Knot", as of September 8, rescuers evacuated from the Bezengi Gorge in Kabardino-Balkaria the bodies of 12 climbers who died as a result of the avalanche. The National Guard confirmed that among the deceased are agency employees.
Kabardino-Balkaria is one of the main centers of mountain tourism and climbing in Russia. The jewel of the republic is the legendary Elbrus – the highest peak in Europe, at the foot of which are located ski resorts "Elbrus" and "Cheget".
The body of the 14th climber was found at the site of the avalanche on Mount Mijirgi on September 6. The bodies of the deceased were evacuated by helicopter to Nalchik, where they were handed over to the investigative operational group of law enforcement agencies, reports "Interfax" citing the press service of the Ministry of Emergency Situations for the region.
As of 15:50 Moscow time, the total number of deceased is 14 people. The fate of three individuals remains unknown. Search and rescue operations in the gorge have been suspended due to the collapse of snow and ice masses, TASS reports.
Earlier, 13 fatalities were reported, and the fate of four individuals remained unknown. In connection with the incident, the investigative authorities of the Investigative Committee of Russia are investigating a criminal case of negligence.
The death of climbers in the Bezengi Gorge of Kabardino-Balkaria has become the most massive incident in Russian mountainous areas in a quarter of a century, the agency notes, citing its own calculations.
"Caucasian Knot" also 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 an ascent of Elbrus, five climbers from Bosnia and Herzegovina and one resident of the Krasnodar region died. In mid-July, during a 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 in the Adyl-su gorge in Kabardino-Balkaria while ascending Peak Via-tau. One died, the other sustained multiple injuries. On July 7, a climber from St. Petersburg died suddenly on Elbrus.