A heavy snowstorm claimed the lives of five tourists in Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park. Rescuers are facing bad weather while recovering the remains of the victims.
Five hikers have died in Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park in southern Patagonia in a heavy snowstorm. Local authorities informed about this on Tuesday, TASR writes, according to a Reuters report.
The snowstorm claimed the lives of two Germans, two Mexicans and one Briton. Four people, who were previously declared missing by the authorities, were found alive.
Condolences from the President
Bad weather is making it difficult for rescuers to retrieve the tourists’ remains, but the Magallanes region has already started negotiations with the relevant authorities for their repatriation.
“I express my deepest condolences,” Chilean President Gabriel Boric wrote on social media. “Know that in these difficult times you have the full support and cooperation of the Chilean authorities and institutions,” he added.
A difficult rescue operation
Guillermo Ruiz, the governor of Última Esperanza province, told reporters that the tourists were lost near the Los Perros camp, which can only be reached by a four- to five-hour trek from the nearest point accessible by vehicle.
The area was hit by a snowstorm with winds of more than 193 kilometers per hour – comparable to a category three hurricane.
