An avalanche on July 5th at 4:45pm on 18,510′ Mt. Elbrus, Russia has seriously injured a German climber and left another German climber missing. The missing tourist is likely deceased within the avalanche. The injured tourist suffered multiple bone fractures.
“The helicopter evacuated the injured tourist, he is in serious, but stable condition. The search for the second tourist continues, the rescue operation may take a long time, as he was the avalanche dragged him into a crack.” – Spokesman for the Emergencies Ministry’s department for the republic Kantemir Berov told TASS on July 5.
A helicopter search and rescue crew rescued the injured climber and transported him to a local hospital where is recovering.
The other tourist is still unaccounted for.
“We have found one of the tourists, and the second is so far missing. The search of the area where the man may stay is currently underway. An additional team of 10 people has been dispatched to the search area.” – Spokesman for the Emergencies Ministry’s department for the republic Kantemir Berov told TASS on July 5
These climbers failed to notify local authorities that they were climbing Elbrus, Europe’s highest point and one of the famous “Seven Summits”.
The avalanche came down on them during the descent near Garvash pass, according to search and rescue teams.
