MONT BLANC, France – At around 3am on Monday, August 5, a serac collapsed on Mont-Blanc du Tacul in Haute-Savoi near several roped parties, involving 15 people in the incident, injuring four, and killing one. According to a translated press release from the Prefect of Haute-Savoie, the serac fall appeared to occur due to natural causes.
A major search and rescue operation was launched immediately following the collapse, under command of the High Mountain Gendarmerie Platoon (PGHM). Emergency medical, fire, and rescue services, in addition to civil security, were deployed in the search. Rescue and assistance vehicles, two canine teams, and helicopter resources were utilized throughout the search.
All victims were evacuated to hospitals in Sallanches and Annecy after receiving care from rescue services. Ten people were unharmed following the incident.
“Yves Le Breton, prefect of Haute-Savoie, extends his sincere condolences to the relatives of the deceased and his thoughts to the people involved in this serac fall. He also thanks all the personnel who successfully conducted the search and rescue operations.” – Prefect of Haute-Savoie, translated from French to English
We hope for a quick recovery for those injured in the incident. Our thoughts go out to family and friends of the deceased party.
