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Three Killed in Avalanche on UK’s Tallest Mountain

News
by Eben Diskin Mar 12, 2019

Today, three climbers have died in an avalanche on Scotland’s Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK at 4,413 feet above sea level. Volunteers of the Lochaber and Glencoe mountain rescue teams, a coastguard helicopter, air ambulance, three road ambulances, and a trauma team were sent to the area known as Number 5 Gully.

Two climbers were found dead at the scene and two were airlifted to the hospital; one of them passed away.

On Monday, the Scottish Avalanche Information Service announced that the potential avalanche risk in the area of Ben Nevis was “high” due to the weather cooling down again after a period of warmth and stormy conditions.

Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s First Minister, expressed her condolences and called the incident “absolutely tragic news.”

Unfortunately, these aren’t the first lives claimed by Ben Nevis this winter. On New Year’s Day a German climber perished after falling from a ridge, and in December, a West Yorkshire man died after a fall on the mountain.

H/T: BBC News

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