Three killed in Ben Nevis avalanche

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.”

This is absolutely tragic news. My thoughts are very much with the bereaved and injured. And my gratitude as always for the work of our emergency services, Mountain Rescue and Coastguard. https://t.co/h348CWRzgx

— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) 12 mars 2019

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

More like this: How to plan an epic road trip through the Scottish Highlands

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