An ice avalanche broke in the night from Sunday to Monday around 2:30 a.m., striking several hiking groups of 15 hikers on Mont Blanc, France. The avalanche killed one hiker and left one person with critical injuries. Three further mountaineers were also injured, while the remaining 10 members escaped unscathed. According to France Bleu, the mountaineers involved are French, Swiss, and Spanish citizens. The deceased man was identified as a French citizen.
The large block of ice broke away from a glacier in the area of Mont Blanc du Tacul in Haute-Savoie at an altitude of about 13,451 feet (4,100 meters) along a popular ascent route. The local police in Chamonix, the Pelotons de Gendarmerie de Haute Montagne (PGHM), estimated the natural causes behind the ice avalanche. The search and rescue involved 30 rescue workers, with helicopters deployed by the National Gendarmerie and Civil Protection, two dog squadrons of the SDIS, and firefighters of the mountain rescue group (GMSP) on duty. Search and rescue efforts are continuing as it is unclear if more people were hiking in the area then.
Mont Blanc is known for its dangerous avalanches. Last spring, an avalanche killed six people, making it the deadliest avalanche on the French peak in 20 years.
This tragic event highlights the dangers in the high mountains, especially with increased summer heat melting large ice blocks on glaciers. Ice avalanches can occur suddenly and without warning. Mountaineers should always observe the current weather and safety reports and, if possible, hire experienced mountain guides who can better assess the local conditions and risks. But even with the utmost caution, the risk can never be completely ruled out.
Une chute de sรฉrac s’est produite cette nuit vers 3h dans le secteur du Mont-Blanc du Tacul provoquant la mort d’une personne & blessant 4 autres. Les opรฉrations se poursuivent sous la direction de @prefet74 qui prรฉsente ses condolรฉances ร la famille de la victime. pic.twitter.com/KNvf1g2aYq
โ Prรฉfet de la Haute-Savoie (@Prefet74) August 5, 2024