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Torres del Paine Snowstorm Leaves Five Foreign Tourists Dead, Four Rescued

Chilean authorities closed the affected sector, shifting to recovery, repatriation and a formal review of safety conditions in the remote pass area.

Overview

  • Officials confirmed the search has concluded, with five dead—two Mexicans, two Germans and one Briton—and four others rescued alive in the national park.
  • The group was overtaken near Los Perros camp by the John Gardner Pass, a remote stretch that requires a four- to five-hour trek from the nearest vehicle access.
  • A sudden blizzard created whiteout conditions with winds reported at up to 190–193 km/h (118–120 mph), which authorities say contributed to the fatalities.
  • Rescue efforts involved park rangers, police, soldiers and mountain teams on foot and horseback, while helicopter operations were largely grounded by the weather.
  • Regional officials initiated recovery and consular procedures for repatriation, and British media identified the U.K. victim as Victoria Bond, a name not yet formally confirmed by authorities.