Climbers die on Ben Nevis as avalanche strikes

THREE CLIMBERS have died and another has been injured after an avalanche on Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain.

Police Scotland were alerted to the incident shortly after 11.50am yesterday and began coordinating a mountain rescue response at Number 5 Gully.

Initially, police said two climbers had died and two were injured but later on Tuesday confirmed one of the injured climbers had since died.

The other climber was flown to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow.

Police Scotland’s Fort William Inspector Isla Campbell said: “This has been a challenging operation and I want to pass on my thanks to the mountain rescue teams, colleagues at the Maritime & Coastguard Agency and Scottish Ambulance Service for their assistance in extremely difficult conditions.

“I would also like to praise members of the public and staff from the Scottish Avalanche Information Service who were on scene at the time and provided immediate assistance.”

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon earlier said it was “absolutely tragic news”.

She tweeted: “My thoughts are very much with the bereaved and injured. And my gratitude as always for the work of our emergency services, Mountain Rescue and Coastguard.”

Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch MSP Kate Forbes said: “First and foremost my thoughts are with the families of the climbers. This is heartbreaking news.

“I’m sure that the hearts of everybody in the local area go out to those who are grieving. I sincerely hope that there are no further casualties. Sincere gratitude, as always, goes to the volunteers in Lochaber and Glencoe Mountain Rescue Teams. They are ready and willing to go out in all weathers whenever the call comes.”