Five climbers feared dead as violent storm hits Europe’s highest mountain

Five climbers feared dead as violent storm hits Europe’s highest mountain Rescuers continue to search for the bodies - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Five climbers are thought to have died on Russia's Mount Elbrus, the highest mountain in Europe. The Bosnian climbers were being caught in a violent storm, a climbing rescue service said on Sunday. Russian rescuers continue to search for the bodies. Russia's Emergencies Ministry said two other climbers had been saved from the storm, they were evacuated from the mountain and taken for medical care. It said the bodies of two further members of the same group had been located on the mountain at an altitude of 5,350 metres (17,550 feet) and would be evacuated when weather conditions allowed. The search for the three other bodies is ongoing, the ministry added, without specifying their nationality. Mount Elbrus, which rises to 5,642 metres (18,510 feet) just north of the border with Georgia, is infamous for sudden changes in weather and climbing conditions. The dormant volcano is the tenth-most prominent peak in the world. A cable car system allows visitors to reach heights of 12,500ft with relative ease. From that point, those wishing to reach the summit can do so from a variety of routes. Although not considered a technically difficult climb, the route is dangerous because of the elevation and strong, gusty winds. On average, between 15 and 30 people die every year on the mountain. Mapped: Mount Elbrus Bosnian media reported that the seven members of the climbing expedition were residents of the central town of Zenica and included a married couple and a doctor who worked at the local hospital. Russian media reported that adverse weather conditions including strong winds had complicated the search and recovery operations. In January a huge avalanche swept through a ski resort on the mountain, sending tourists fleeing in panic. Eyewitness footage shows the moment a cascade of snow tumbles down the mountainside on Mount Elbrus on 15 January. The wall of snow hurtles towards the recorder who appears to be standing in a car park, before the screen is swallowed by white as the avalanche consumes them. Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments