Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Five Tourists Die in Torres del Paine Snowstorm as Chile Shifts to Evacuations

Officials say the mission now centers on evacuation of the dead, with consular repatriation to follow when weather allows.

Overview

  • Authorities confirmed the deaths of two Germans, two Mexicans and one British national, and said four others from the group were found alive.
  • Winds reported up to roughly 190 km/h and whiteout conditions grounded helicopters, forcing rescuers to operate on foot and horseback.
  • The hikers became lost near the remote Los Perros camp on the O Circuit, a four- to five-hour trek from the nearest vehicle access, and the circuit was closed for operations.
  • The Prosecutor's Office authorized movement of the bodies as officials coordinate with consulates and prepare air evacuations when conditions permit.
  • Park rangers, police, army units and alpine rescue teams led the response after early distress messages from Los Perros flagged missing hikers and called for help.