Three climbers from Latvia have died after falling near a perilous pass on Denali (Mount McKinley) in Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska, USA. A fourth member of the expedition was rescued in critical condition, the Latvian Mountaineering Association said on Friday.

The accident occurred on Wednesday as a seven-person group was ascending the popular West Buttress route, when four climbers fell near Denali Pass. The route is known for its crevasses, steep ice and exposed ridges, with many injuries and deaths over the years.

The park service reported the fall happened at an altitude of over 5,500 meters (18,045 feet). The remaining three climbers initially attended to the fallen before returning to a camp at about 5,100 meters.

The rescued climber was brought off a mountain basin at approximately 5,240 meters by park search and rescue personnel late Thursday afternoon. A long line from a helicopter was used due to terrain preventing landing. The survivor was transferred to an air ambulance for hospital transport.

The Latvian Mountaineering Association described the victims as "talented and experienced" mountaineers. "This is an unspeakably painful, irreparable loss for the entire family of Latvian mountain climbers," the organization said in a statement.

Source: www.dw.com