Alaska’s Mount McKinley climbing accident kills three Latvian climbers
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Three Latvian climbers died and a fourth survived after falling near Denali Pass on Alaska’s Mount McKinley on Wednesday.
Four members of the seven-person climbing team crashed near Denali Pass, about 6,100 feet below the mountain’s 20,310-foot summit, according to Reuters.
The Latvian Mountaineering Association reported that the names of the deceased climbers were Inese Puceka, Vija Olte and Renars Kunigs-Salaks.
ONE MAN TURNED A GLOBAL SKYSCRAPER INTO HIS MOST DANGEROUS TARGET: ‘QUITE REALISTIC’
The fourth climber, Mārtiņš Bilzēns, survived the fall and was in critical condition, the association said.
Rescue teams from the National Park Service evacuated the surviving climber from a basin at about 17,200 feet on Thursday.
Three Latvian climbers died after falling near the Denali Pass on Alaska’s Mount McKinley a few days ago, while the fourth survived. (Arterra/Universal Images Group)
Difficult terrain and weather conditions prevented the helicopter from landing.
This required rescuers to use a long-line extraction system before transporting the climber to Kahiltna Base Camp and then to a hospital, according to the National Park Service.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER
The three remaining members of the expedition who did not take part in the fall returned to High Camp after helping their climbing partners, park officials said.
Following the high-altitude rescue efforts, the physical conditions of all three deteriorated and they were evacuated from the mountain on Friday.
The surviving climber (not pictured) was taken to safety after rescue teams used a long-line extraction system due to terrain and weather conditions that prevented the helicopter from landing. (iStock)
Park officials said rescue efforts are continuing for the three deceased climbers as weather, terrain and mountain conditions continue to affect access to the area.
The accident occurred near Denali Pass, one of the most dangerous sections of the mountain.
CLICK FOR MORE LIFE STORIES
According to reports, the area between High Camp and Denali Pass has been the scene of numerous injuries and deaths over the years, with many incidents involving unprotected falls.
Mount McKinley, also known as Denali, is approximately 20,310 feet above sea level and is considered one of the most challenging climbs in North America.
Located at approximately 20,310 feet above sea level, Mount McKinley is among the most challenging climbing spots in North America. (iStock)
The mountain’s steep slopes, glaciers, rapidly changing weather conditions and extreme altitude pose significant challenges even for experienced climbers.
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
Only about 1,000 to 1,200 climbers attempt to reach the summit each year, most of them during the May and June climbing season.
According to park statistics, less than half of those who tried to climb last year successfully reached the top.
More than 130 people have died on the mountain throughout the park’s history.
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD FOX NEWS APPLICATION
Fox News Digital has reached out to the National Park Service for further comment.
Reuters contributed reporting.
