Tragedy has struck in Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park, where five tourists— including a British national—were found dead after severe weather trapped them in the wilderness. Rescue teams are preparing to evacuate the bodies once conditions improve.
Distress SOS Sent as Weather Turns Deadly
An urgent SOS message posted on a popular Facebook group by one of the trapped tourists revealed the grim situation. The group was caught in violent conditions with 120mph winds and heavy snow while attempting the challenging Paine Massif Circuit.
“We are at Los Perros camp… The weather has turned very bad. We are snowed in and people are still out on the pass. We believe there are at least 5 people who have not been found,” the desperate post read. “We need urgent help, climbers and rescuers are on the risk of dying based on our current situation.”
National Park’s Tough Terrain Complicates Rescue
José Antonio Ruiz, presidential delegate of Magallanes, confirmed the bodies’ evacuation is pending better weather. He told local media the park’s vast, rugged terrain makes access extremely difficult: “Whether by vehicle or truck, it’s very hard to reach.”
Among those found were a Mexican woman and two Germans, alongside the Brit. The nationality of the fifth victim remains unknown.
Iconic Park’s Dangerous Beauty Claims Victims
Torres del Paine, dubbed the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World,’ is famed for its breathtaking mountains, glaciers, and wildlife. But its stunning landscape comes with perilous conditions, especially in winter. The park attracts adventure seekers worldwide, drawn by its UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status and over 227,000 hectares of rugged terrain.
UK Government Monitoring Situation
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed it is liaising with Chilean authorities to support British nationals affected by the disaster.
A spokesperson said: “We are in contact with the local authorities following an incident in Chile.”
