5 Bosnian climbers killed in storm on Russia’s Mount Elbrus — Pajhwok

KABUL (Pajhwok): Five climbers from Bosnia and Herzegovina have died after being caught in a severe storm on Mount Elbrus, Europe’s highest peak, Russian authorities said on Monday. Russia’s Ministry of Emergency Situations said rescue teams initially evacuated two climbers from an altitude of around 5,350 metres and took them to a medical facility for treatment. The bodies of two other climbers were also recovered from the mountain. The state-run RIA Novosti news agency, citing Russia’s Investigative Committee, reported that the bodies of the remaining three victims had been located, but harsh weather conditions and strong winds had prevented their recovery. Russian authorities initially did not disclose the identities or nationalities of the victims. However, regional law enforcement officials later confirmed to RIA Novosti that all five were citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The seven-member climbing team had travelled from the city of Zenica to climb Mount Elbrus. The group included a married couple and a female doctor. Mount Elbrus, which rises 5,642 metres above sea level, is located in Russia’s Kabardino-Balkaria Republic near the border with Georgia. The mountain is considered one of Europe’s most challenging climbing destinations due to rapidly changing weather conditions and difficult terrain.