Two Slovenian hikers die in mountain accident near Italy's Belpaesa Lakes

Italian rescue teams and Slovenian police confirmed that a 49‑year‑old Slovenian woman and her son were found dead in the Belpaesa Lakes area of northern Italy. Hikers discovered the bodies on Monday evening in a dry mountain stream, and investigators believe both victims died in a mountain accident caused by sudden heavy rain that swelled the creek and carried them downstream.

The victims were wearing hiking gear and carried personal items, including the woman's identity document and car keys. A vehicle with Slovenian registration plates was found parked nearby. Identification of the second victim, believed to be the woman's child, awaits DNA analysis. The investigation is being coordinated between Italian authorities, the Trbiž police unit, and the Slovenian police via the Trilateral Center for Police Cooperation “Vrata‑Megvarje.” No missing‑person report had been filed.

Authorities have ruled out criminal involvement, focusing on the natural hazard scenario. The incident highlights cross‑border cooperation in emergency response and the challenges of tracking unreported hikers in remote mountain regions.