STRANDED

Five Tourists Killed During Extreme Blizzard at National Park

The hikers became trapped in a snowstorm with 118 mph winds more than five hours away from the nearest camp.

Five tourists died after being caught in a severe blizzard while trekking in Chile’s famed Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia, authorities confirmed. The victims, identified as two Mexican nationals, two Germans, and one British citizen, were reported missing earlier this week after a sudden change in weather brought heavy snowfall, sub-zero temperatures, and icy winds of up to 118 mph to the region. A major search and rescue operation was launched for the missing hikers, which led to four other missing tourists being found alive, a statement read. The hikers went missing near the remote Los Perros camp, a five-hour trek from the nearest vehicle access point, according to the country’s National Forestry Corporation, CONAF. Chilean President Gabriel Boric paid tribute to the victims and thanked the rescue teams in a post on X, writing, “To the families, friends, and loved ones … who tragically lost their lives in the incident that occurred in Torres del Paine, I extend my deepest condolences. Know that you have the full support and collaboration of Chilean authorities and institutions during these difficult times."