Three Latvian climbers die on North America's tallest peak

A seven-person Latvian expedition climbed Denali’s popular West Buttress route when four climbers fell during ascent near Denali Pass on Wednesday. The route features crevasses, steep ice, and exposed ridges, and has recorded many injuries and deaths over the years. The park service said the accident occurred above 5,500 meters altitude. Three remaining mountaineers tended to the fallen before returning to a camp around 5,100 meters. The rescued climber was brought off a mountain basin near 5,240 meters by Denali National Park and Preserve search and rescue late Thursday afternoon using a helicopter long line because landing was impossible. The survivor was then transferred to an air ambulance for hospital transport. The Latvian Mountaineering Association called the victims talented and experienced and said the loss was irreparable for Latvian mountain climbers’ families.

"A seven-person group was on the popular West Buttress route to the summit when four of the climbers fell during their ascent near Denali Pass on Wednesday, the Denali National Park and Preserve said."

"The climber who was rescued was brought off a mountain basin, from about 5,240 meters, by the park's search and rescue personnel late Thursday afternoon. A long line from a helicopter was used for the rescue as the terrain and conditions prevented the chopper from landing, the park service said."

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