British woman dies in avalanche while skiing in Argentina
- A British woman in her twenties was killed in an avalanche while skiing in the Andes near Bariloche, Argentina.
- The two friends who were with her were rescued after suffering from hypothermia, with one managing to call for help after being buried for 15 hours.
- An investigation is underway, with authorities suggesting the skiers may have caused the avalanche themselves.
A tragic incident occurred in the Andes mountains near Bariloche, Argentina, where a British woman in her twenties died in an avalanche while skiing with two friends. The avalanche struck just after 5 PM local time on Wednesday, burying the woman under snow and rocks. A search and rescue operation was launched, which lasted several hours, and her body was discovered around 11 PM. Initial reports mistakenly identified her as an Irish national, but she was confirmed to be British. The two surviving skiers, Augusto Gruttadauria and Christian Erauskin, were found suffering from hypothermia after being buried for an extended period. Augusto managed to make an emergency call after being trapped for 15 hours, which ultimately led to their rescue. The avalanche risk on the day of the incident was classified as 'considerable,' with a D3 rating from the American Avalanche Association, indicating a powerful avalanche capable of significant destruction. Local authorities are investigating the incident, with the Bariloche Alpine Club Rescue Commission suggesting that the skiers may have inadvertently triggered the avalanche. The British Embassy in Buenos Aires is providing support to the victim's family and is in contact with local officials regarding the investigation. This tragic event highlights the dangers associated with skiing in avalanche-prone areas, especially when conditions are deemed risky. The loss of life serves as a somber reminder of the potential hazards that outdoor enthusiasts face in mountainous regions.