Climber Dies on Ben Nevis, 17 Rescued Attempting to Help
A number of climbers have died over the past few weeks in the Scottish mountains
Photo by: Glencoe MRT
A 28-year-old climber was descending after reaching the summit of Ben Nevis when he fell 300 metres to his death. Seventeen others become trapped while attempting to save him – including 12 soldiers. The accident took place on the mountain’s west face.
A spokesman for the Army said: “A small number of soldiers provided support to stranded walkers on Ben Nevis on Tuesday. “They assisted the party until emergency and mountain rescue services were able to reach them.”
Two soldiers, men aged 29 and 37, were hurt while doing this and needed hospital treatment to minor injuries. Police said the death was not suspicious and a report would be submitted to the procurator fiscal.
Six people have died in the Scottish mountains in the last two weeks, police said as they appealed to walkers and climbers to take extra care. “Challenging winter conditions still prevail in the hills with large areas totally covered in snow and ice,” Inspector Matt Smith, Police Scotland mountain rescue coordinator, said in a statement.
“Often, these areas are completely unavoidable, and snow may be rock hard with a high likelihood of a fall unless crampons and an ice axe are carried, and most importantly, the group has a knowledge in how and when to use them.”
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