Five mountaineers from Bosnia and Herzegovina have died after being caught in a violent storm while climbing Mount Elbrus, Russia’s highest peak, authorities said. Rescue operations have been suspended for three of the victims as severe weather continues to hamper recovery efforts.
According to Russia’s state news agency RIA Novosti, rescue teams from the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations launched an operation immediately after the incident. Two stranded climbers were rescued alive and taken to hospital for treatment, while the bodies of two victims were later recovered from an altitude of approximately 5,350 metres.
The regional branch of Russia’s Investigative Committee said the locations of the remaining three victims have been identified. However, strong winds, heavy snowfall and adverse weather conditions have made it impossible to recover their bodies for the time being.
Local law enforcement officials said all five victims were citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, although Russian authorities have yet to issue an official statement confirming their identities.
Mount Elbrus, located north of the Georgian border, rises to 5,642 metres, making it the highest mountain in Russia and Europe. The peak is well known for its unpredictable weather and challenging terrain, which have long made it one of the region’s most hazardous climbing destinations, even for experienced mountaineers.
Bosnian media reported that the seven-member expedition team was from the city of Zenica. The group included a married couple and a female physician from a local hospital.
Rescue authorities said recovery operations for the remaining victims will resume once weather conditions improve.
Sources: Reuters; RIA Novosti.