Overview
- A rock-and-snow avalanche struck the Bezengi (Bezengui) canyon on Sunday and hit a group of 33 climbers, officials said.
- Authorities confirmed 11 people dead, six missing and six injured, and reported that about 10 climbers descended to safety on their own.
- More than 50 rescuers and Mi-8 helicopters were deployed to the scene and search efforts are being hampered by steep terrain and the risk of further collapses.
- The Telegram channel Baza reported that a rockfall first struck the group and that hurricane-force winds then triggered a snow avalanche, a sequence that has not yet been independently verified by officials.
- Local authorities have opened a criminal investigation for alleged negligence that could examine safety procedures, group decisions and whether warnings or protocols were followed.