Four Climbers Die on Mexico’s Highest Peak

Earlier this week, four climbers died after falling at a height on Mexico’s highest mountain, Pico de Orizaba, which stands at 5,636 metres. One of the roped climbers fell, dragging the others down the south side.

Three of the victims were from Veracruz and one was from Puebla. The tour company Volcanes de México said on its Facebook page that the victims were Carlos Altamirano Lima, 53; José Inés Zepahua, 63; Hugo Cruz Vázquez, 19; and Humberto Kenji Muray, 58. Altamirano was the group’s guide and an experienced mountaineer.

The bodies of all four climbers were located and taken to Atzitzintla, Puebla, Civil Protection authorities said on social media. Images showed rescue workers on a steep, rocky slope of the volcano.

Pico de Orizaba is a popular peak with the most common route following a line up the only glacier on the mountain, known as Jamapa Glacier. Pico de Orizaba is the third highest mountain in North America after Denali and Mount Logan. Several fatal accidents have happened over the years, with one of the latest being in 2018 when three climbers died.

Mueren 4 alpinistas en el volcán #Citlaltépetl, más conocido como Pico de Orizaba. Por eso es importante subir con Guías de Turismo acreditados. Hay que respetar a la montaña. El #alpinismo y #montañismo no es para todos.
pic.twitter.com/uUGeE0H3Jy

— Caballero de Osiris .·. (@Bruceltoro) August 21, 2023