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Search Concludes After Torres del Paine Snowstorm Kills Five Tourists

Authorities have ended rescue efforts, shifting to repatriation under a regional safety investigation.

Overview

  • Officials confirmed the dead as two Mexican nationals, two Germans and one British national, and said four other trekkers were found alive.
  • The party became lost near the remote Los Perros sector and John Gardner Pass on the O Circuit, a four- to five-hour trek from vehicle access.
  • Whiteout conditions and winds near 193 km/h (120 mph) repeatedly grounded helicopters, forcing ground teams of police, military and rangers to conduct the search.
  • Bodies are to be airlifted by the Chilean Air Force when weather permits as consular services coordinate repatriation with the victims’ home countries.
  • Regional authorities opened an inquiry into circumstances and safety protocols, the park was temporarily closed for recovery work, and UK media named the British victim as Victoria Bond.