Overview
- Authorities were alerted late Monday and airlifted two uninjured climbers around 2:15 a.m. Tuesday before finding the other two dead near the summit at about 7 a.m.
- The deceased were recovered from steep terrain with Department of Conservation and specialist rescue teams supporting the operation.
- Police say the four-person party included two New Zealand mountain guides and two foreign nationals, climbing from Empress Hut on the west ridge in roped pairs.
- Officers say the victims were roped together when they fell; identities are being withheld while next of kin are notified and the case proceeds under the coroner.
- The New Zealand Mountain Guides Association says a formal investigation will follow, while the Mountain Safety Council notes a busy season with currently favorable conditions drawing many teams to the peak.