The body of another climber has been recovered during the search-and-rescue operation at the site of an avalanche in the Bezengi Gorge in the mountains of Kabardino-Balkaria. This brings the death toll among the climbing group to 15. RIA Novosti reported the news on September 10, citing regional emergency services.

The tragedy occurred on the evening of September 6 in the Bezengi Gorge. An avalanche descended from Mount Mizhirgi, burying a group of 33 climbers. Ten of them managed to escape the danger zone and descend the mountain on their own. Six others were injured and hospitalized, while two remain missing.

Media outlets note that, in terms of the death toll, this is the most significant incident since 2002, when the film crew of Sergei Bodrov Jr. perished in the Karmadon Gorge. According to the Telegram channel Baza, the avalanche was triggered by a rockfall, though the Ministry of Emergency Situations has not confirmed this version of events.

The Investigative Committee has opened a criminal case regarding negligence in connection with the incident. Authorities are currently establishing the circumstances under which the group was on the route when the avalanche occurred.