An avalanche in Italy's Dolomite mountains has killed five German climbers, including a 17-year-old girl and her father, according to rescuers. The mountaineers, travelling in separate groups, were scaling Cima Vertana in the Ortler Alps at around 16:00 local time on Saturday when the fast-moving snow hit. A group of three people was fully swept away by the avalanche and all died, said Italy's Alpine rescue service, Soccorso Alpino e Speleologico. Separately, the father and daughter were carried away by the avalanche, and their bodies were recovered on Sunday. Two other climbers in a third party survived. The alarm was raised by the survivors, triggering the rescue operation. Olaf Reinstadler, a spokesperson for the Sulden Mountain Rescue Service, said the avalanche could have been caused by recent snow drifts that had not bonded to the ice below. He noted that climbing tours remain popular and that the weather conditions were good, but questioned the timing of the ascent. Rescuers initially faced challenges due to fading light and weather conditions, which delayed their operations.
Tragic Avalanche Claims Five Lives in Italy's Dolomites
Tragic Avalanche Claims Five Lives in Italy's Dolomites
A devastating avalanche in Italy's Dolomite mountains has resulted in the deaths of five climbers, including a father and his 17-year-old daughter. The accident highlights the dangers of mountain climbing during adverse weather conditions.
An avalanche struck while five German climbers were ascending Cima Vertana in the Ortler Alps, leading to a tragic loss of life. Rescuers recovered the bodies of three climbers swept away, including a father and daughter. Weather conditions may have contributed to the incident.
