An avalanche hit the Bezengi Gorge of Russia on Sunday, killing at least 11 climbers, according to Russian news outlets. Six people were hospitalized for injuries, and an additional six people are still missing. TASS, a Russian news agency, reports that the injured and deceased climbers were part of a group of 33 people who were on a scheduled tour when an avalanche swept down Mount Mizhirgi into the gorge. Ten people were able to get themselves out.
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Search-and-rescue operations are ongoing, but conditions remain difficult for crews, which number up to 56 people. According to the regional Emergencies Ministry’s department, difficult terrain and the high risk of further avalanches has made the search for additional survivors challenging. There is also an active investigation into the incident, with possible negligence charges to the tour company.
This situation is still developing, and details may change.
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