News

6 climbers killed in fall on Mont Blanc peak

By Lori Hinnant
Published August 13, 2014 4:39pm ET
Add Washington Examiner on Google
6 climbers killed in fall on Mont Blanc peak
FILE - This Feb. 19, 2003 file photo shows Mont Blanc, western Europe's highest mountain. A mayor in the French Alps says five climbers have died on Mont Blanc and a sixth is missing. The climbers disappeared overnight as they were trying to reach the Aiguille d'Argentiere, which tops out around 3,900 meters (12,800 feet). Mont Blanc, in addition to its primary peak, contains some 200 summits. The bodies of five climbers were located Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2014, while a sixth has not been found, said Jean-Marc Peillex, mayor of Saint-Gervais, a town at the foot of Europe's tallest mountain. (AP Photo/Patrick Gardin, File) | Patrick Gardin

PARIS (AP) — Six French climbers died in a fall on France’s Mont Blanc after a night of snow and wind on Western Europe’s tallest mountain, officials said Wednesday.

August is the height of the climbing season on Mont Blanc, where even in the warmest months storms can strike quickly. High winds buffeted the area where the group fell, said Jean-Baptiste Estachy, head of the Mont Blanc rescue squad.

Print subscriber? Click here to login/register your account
Digital subscriber? Click here to login/register your account.

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.

Tag:

World