Death toll from avalanche in Kabardino-Balkaria reaches 17
On September 12 and 13, the bodies of two more climbers were recovered during search-and-rescue operations at the site of an avalanche in the Bezengi Gorge, Kabardino-Balkaria. This brings the total number of fatalities among the climbing group to 17.
"Rescuers recovered the body of one victim today. All members of the group whose fate had remained unknown have now been found," Mukhammad Guliev, head of the Nalchik unit of the Elbrus High-Altitude Search and Rescue Squad (EMERCOM of Russia), told Interfax on Sunday.
He added that the search-and-rescue operation has concluded.
The tragedy occurred on the evening of September 6 in the Bezengi Gorge. An avalanche descended from Mount Mizhirgi onto a group of 33 climbers traversing the route. Ten of them managed to escape the danger zone and descend the mountain on their own. Six others sustained injuries and were hospitalized, while the rest perished.
The Investigative Committee of Russia is investigating a criminal case regarding negligence in connection with the incident.
