An Italian climber has died and several others were injured during a descent from Peak Pobeda (Victory Peak), one of Kyrgyzstan’s three seven-thousanders, according to the Kyrgyz Ministry of Defense. The injured include citizens of Germany and Russia who were part of the same mountaineering group.
The Ministry dispatched a Mi-8 military helicopter with six rescuers on board to reach the group. However, adverse weather forced the helicopter to make a hard landing near the climbers. All those on board survived, though several sustained injuries of varying severity. A second helicopter was later sent to continue the rescue operation.
“The helicopter made a hard landing at high altitude under difficult weather conditions. The crew members and mountain rescuers involved in the evacuation were on board, and all of them survived. Specialists were sent to the scene to evacuate the injured,” the Defense Ministry told The Times of Central Asia.
The injured rescuers and crew members were transported to a hospital in Karakol, where they are in stable condition.
Peak Pobeda; image: 韵升(Yunsheng) 白(Bai)
Due to worsening weather and nightfall, not all climbers could be evacuated immediately. Recovery efforts resumed the following day. A special commission has been formed to investigate the incident, identify the causes of the accident, and assess the technical condition of the aircraft.
At 7,439 meters, Peak Pobeda is the highest point in the Tien Shan mountain range. Its eastern slopes lie within China. The routes to its summit are among the most technically challenging in the world, marked by steep ice faces, sudden gusts of wind, and extreme cold. Despite the risks, the area attracts dozens of climbers annually, drawn by its remoteness and the allure of unclimbed neighboring peaks.
