Survivor of a deadly blizzard in Chilean Patagonia that killed a British woman and four others has said park staff told trekkers adverse weather was 'normal' and allowed them to proceed. Tom Player, a London-based composer, told the Guardian that about 30 volunteers worked together to rescue hikers during the brutal storm in Torres del Paine national park.
Nine people went missing on Monday amid heavy snowfall and winds up to 120mph. Four were rescued, but Victoria Bond, 40, from Truro, along with two Mexicans and two Germans, died. Player, who travelled with Bond, said no park rangers were present on the day and that staff dismissed weather forecast warnings.
Player criticised Chilean authorities for suggesting the tourists became lost, saying GPS data shows most were on the trail. 'Claiming that anyone got lost ... is really upsetting and inflammatory,' he said. He described the storm as 'absolutely brutal,' with conditions worsening throughout the day.
The hiking group included medical professionals who helped in rescue efforts. Player described making a stretcher from hiking poles, tape, tent cord and a sleeping mat. He searched for Bond, finding other hypothermic hikers, but not his friend. 'It is very hard to live with that,' he added.
Bond was a PR manager for Visit Isles of Scilly, described by colleagues as 'lovable, witty and creative.' The regional director of Chile's national forestry corporation said no rangers were on duty due to mandatory voting in the presidential election.
