Caucasus Mountains avalanche kills 17 mountaineers

A massive snow and ice slide in the Caucasus Mountains has resulted in the deaths of 17 mountaineers. The incident occurred on September 6, 2026, in the Bezengi Gorge within the Kabardino-Balkaria republic of Russia.

The avalanche originated from the Mount Mijirgui area, striking a group of 33 people who were conducting mountain training activities. Following the event, emergency authorities conducted a complex search and rescue operation in difficult terrain characterized by adverse weather and the threat of further slides.

On September 13, the body of the 17th missing climber was located, confirming the final death toll. Of the original group of 33, ten individuals managed to leave the area on their own, while others were injured or caught in the slide.