US EditionBriton who survived Chile snowstorm that killed his friend describes desperate rescue attempt
Christian Aldridge and other survivors criticized delayed response amid hurricane-force winds that caused five deaths and injured 27 in Chile's Torres del Paine National Park.
- On Monday, a blizzard hit Torres del Paine National Park's John Gardner Pass with hurricane‑force 120 mph winds and whiteout, injuring dozens and killing five hikers.
- Park staff and the concessionaire faced criticism after survivors and dozens of hikers said rangers were absent Monday because staff had left to vote, delaying rescue efforts and prompting sharp criticism for poor communication and insufficient emergency help.
- Volunteer rescuers recalled that around 12:30 p.m., hikers organised volunteer rescue parties and improvised homemade stretchers from sleeping mats, polystyrene and walking poles to recover wounded and missing people.
- At a news conference Thursday, Cristián Crisosto, regional prosecutor for Magallanes, opened an investigation and is taking statements from park staff, Vertice, and 69 witnesses, while the park announced the O Circuit would be closed pending reviews by authorities and Chile's National Forestry Corporation.
- The government is coordinating with foreign consulates of Mexico, Britain and Germany to return bodies, while President Gabriel Boric Font said search teams faced "intense" snowfall and 118mph winds relocating people from the O Circuit.
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Survivors Criticize Local Authorities After 5 Foreign Hikers Die in Blizzard in Patagonia, Chile
Torres del Paine. | Image: La Respuesta X A sudden snowstorm in Chile’s iconic Torres del Paine National Park has left five foreign hikers dead, according to authorities in the Magallanes region, on November 17. The victims include two Germans, two Mexicans, and one British woman, regional director of Conaf, Chile’s national forestry corporation, José Antonio Ruiz confirmed on Sunday. According to Ruiz, rescue efforts were hampered by the fact t…
Chile snowstorm deaths were 'avoidable tragedy'
… killed in a snowstorm in Chile Survivors of a deadly snowstorm … for hikers, on 17 November. Chile's government, the National … up. The BBC has contacted Chile's government, Conaf, Vertice … would like the authorities in Chile to increase the number of …
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