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Mount Mizhirgi avalanche kills 11 climbers in Russia
A massive avalanche involving snow, ice, and rock struck a group of 33 climbers on Mount Mizhirgi in the Bezengi Gorge, located in the Kabardino-Balkaria region of the North Caucasus. The incident, which occurred on a Sunday evening, reportedly began with a rockfall followed by a significant snow and ice slide.
According to the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations, the disaster has resulted in at least 11 deaths and left six people missing. Six other climbers were injured and have been transferred to medical facilities. Ten members of the group managed to descend the mountain safely on their own.
Rescue operations are currently underway, involving over 50 emergency personnel and Mi-8 helicopters. The search is being hampered by extremely difficult terrain, high altitudes exceeding 5,000 meters, and the ongoing risk of secondary avalanches.
Authorities have opened a criminal investigation into potential negligence regarding the incident. However, Aleksandr Yakovenko, president of the Sports Climbing Committee of the Russian Mountaineering Federation, expressed doubt regarding the allegations, noting that the participants were experienced and the event was an extraordinary natural phenomenon.
Entities
Alexander Yakovenko · Bezengi Gorge · Kabardino-Balkaria · Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia · Mount Mizhirgi · Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations · Russian Mountaineering Federation
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 12 SOURCES] Ten climbers managed to descend safely on their own. www.cmjornal.pt · www.moncloa.com · face.ba · sapo.pt · viki.mk · +6 more
- [● 13 SOURCES] Six climbers are currently missing. www.cmjornal.pt · www.moncloa.com · face.ba · sapo.pt · viki.mk · +7 more
- [● 9 SOURCES] The incident occurred on Mount Mizhirgi in the Bezengi Gorge. face.ba · sapo.pt · viki.mk · www.infokuryr.cz · lainoticias.com · +3 more
- [DISPUTED] The avalanche affected a group of 33 climbers. www.cmjornal.pt · www.moncloa.com · face.ba · sapo.pt · viki.mk · +7 more
- [DISPUTED] At least 11 climbers died following an avalanche in the Bezengi Gorge. www.cmjornal.pt · www.moncloa.com · face.ba · sapo.pt · viki.mk · +7 more
- [● 12 SOURCES] Six climbers were injured and transferred to medical centers. www.cmjornal.pt · www.moncloa.com · face.ba · sapo.pt · viki.mk · +6 more
- [● 3 SOURCES] The president of the Sports Climbing Committee of the Russian Mountaineering Federation expressed doubt regarding allegations of negligence. sapo.pt · www.infokuryr.cz · oc-media.org
- [● 4 SOURCES] A criminal case has been opened to investigate potential negligence related to the accident. sapo.pt · lainoticias.com · primicia.com.ve · fakti.bg