An avalanche in Italy’s Dolomite Mountains killed five German mountaineers on Saturday, November 1st, including a 17-year-old girl and her father. According to the BBC, the mountaineers were traveling in separate groups on Cima Vertana in the Ortler Alps around 4pm when they were hit by the slide.
Three people were fully swept away and all killed, while the father and daughter were carried away and killed separately. Three bodies were recovered on Saturday and two were recovered on Sunday. Two other climbers survived the incident.
According to Sulden Mountain Rescue Service spokesperson Olaf Reinstadler, the avalanche, which took place on a 11,630 foot mountain, was likely caused by recent snow drifts. While climbing tours are currently popular in the area, it’s not exactly clear why the mountaineers were on the mountain so late in the afternoon.
Alpine rescue service was able to recover three bodies on Saturday before fading light and safety conditions forced them to suspend the efforts until the next day. On Sunday, fog and low visibility forced helicopters to wait until taking off. Once conditions had improved, avalanche dog units and rescuers were airlifted to 2,600 meters before searching for the final two bodies on foot. They were located by late morning.
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those involved in the avalanche at this time.
