In the early Sunday afternoon, a large part of the Marmolada glacier below Punta Rocca broke off in the Italian Dolomites. At least six climbers died and more than a dozen were injured. The rescue work is still in progress.
According to the rescue control center of the Veneto region, at least six climbers died and more than a dozen were injured when a glacier broke off in the Italian Alps on Sunday afternoon. Unfortunately, the number of fatalities and injuries after the detachment of the serac from the summit cap of the Marmolada glacier below Punta Rocca is still only preliminary.
Footage of the glacial collapse from a nearby mountain hut
Danger of further Serac crashes complicate rescue work
According to the Veneto Mountain and Cave Rescue Service, the avalanche of snow, rock and ice fell on the normal route and hit several mountaineering teams. At least six climbers died and 14 others were injured. However, the rescue workers fear more victims.
The search and rescue work was temporarily stopped on Sunday evening due to the risk of further glacier collapses and the entire area around the glacier was closed to the public. All mountain rescuers in the Veneto and Trentino-Alto Adige regions are on duty with five helicopters and several dog teams.
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Credits: Cover picture National Alpine and Speleological Rescue Corps