Rescue Crews Rush to Save 4 Climbers After Horror Mountain Fall

Rescue crews in Alaska raced Thursday to reach four climbers who fell while climbing Mount McKinley, North America’s tallest mountain, in an overnight incident. The National Park Service said park rangers received a report around midnight that four members of a seven-person climbing team had fallen near Denali Pass, a section of the mountain at approximately 18,200 feet. The condition of the climbers remained unknown as of Thursday, the agency said in a press release. After attending to their fallen teammates, the three other members of the climbing team returned to High Camp at 17,000 feet, according to the National Park Service. A rescue operation remained underway Thursday, with officials saying improving weather conditions would allow helicopter operations. “The National Park Service is actively responding to the incident,” the agency said in a news release, adding that its focus remained on rescue efforts and notifying family members. “Additional details will be released when they are confirmed and appropriate to share.” The National Weather Service reported isolated snow showers on Mount McKinley on Wednesday, and said strong winds at higher elevations could reduce visibility and create additional challenges for climbers. The weather was forecast to ease through the weekend.

Read more Major Airline Changes Rule for Overweight Passengers