Three climbers have died and one has been rescued after a fall near Denali Pass on Mount McKinley, Alaska’s tallest peak. The climbers, part of a Latvian mountaineering group, were traversing a route known for its dangers when the incident occurred on Wednesday (May 27). The National Park Service confirmed the accident, noting that the group was on a seven-person expedition.
The climbers who perished were identified as Inese Pučeka, Vija Olte, and Renārs Kunigs-Salaks. The fourth climber, who survived, is in critical condition. The fall happened at around 18,200 feet, near Denali Pass, an area notorious for climbing accidents.
Park rangers received a report about the fall around midnight and initiated a rescue operation, which has now shifted to a recovery effort. Three other members of the expedition returned to High Camp, located at 17,000 feet, after attempting to assist their fallen teammates.
Mount McKinley’s climbing season runs from late April to mid-July, and on Thursday (May 28), there were 516 climbers on the mountain. The Denali Pass area has a history of injuries and fatalities due to unexpected falls.
The National Park Service has emphasized the importance of safety measures, such as using snow pickets for extra protection.
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