British Tourist Killed in Sudden Patagonian Blizzard
A British national has been confirmed among five tourists who lost their lives after being caught in a devastating blizzard within Chile's renowned Torres del Paine National Park. The group of visitors were exploring the UNESCO-recognised biosphere reserve on Monday when severe weather conditions unexpectedly engulfed them.
Search and Rescue Operation
Regional government official Jose Antonio Ruiz initially reported two fatalities and seven missing persons before updating the death toll to five later in the same day. The victims include one British citizen, two Mexican nationals, and two German tourists.
Emergency services, including soldiers and police officers, immediately launched a major search operation throughout the vast nature reserve. The rescue teams successfully located and extracted four survivors, though authorities have not yet disclosed their nationalities or current medical condition.
Dangerous Conditions in Popular Tourist Destination
Torres del Paine represents Chile's most visited destination for international tourists, attracting over 367,000 visitors in 2024 according to the latest figures from Conaf, the national forestry authority. The park is famous for its spectacular granite mountain peaks, extensive glaciers, and diverse wildlife, located approximately 1,740 miles south of Santiago.
Juan Carlos Andrades of Chile's Senapred emergency response unit informed AFP that weather forecasts had predicted sleet and powerful winds for the area. These conditions significantly reduce visibility for hikers, increasing the risk of straying from designated trails.
Chilean President Gabriel Boric expressed his condolences through a message on social media platform X, describing the incident as a 'tragedy' and offering sympathy to the families and friends of those who perished.
