Five tourists have been confirmed dead after being caught in a blizzard at Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia, Chile.
On Tuesday, Nov. 18, the National Forestry Corporation (CONAF) announced that two Mexican nationals, two German nationals, and one British national were found dead amid what officials described as “extreme” conditions, including powerful winds, heavy snowfall, and sub-zero temperatures.
Four other members of the group were located alive, the statement said.
The tragedy followed reports that seven tourists had gone missing inside the park, which is located roughly 1,800 miles south of Santiago. According to CONAF, the group had entered the park together before losing their way in the severe weather.
In response, authorities closed an 80.78-mile trekking route known as the Paine Massif mountain circuit to carry out search and rescue operations.
“The Macizo Paine mountain circuit was closed to facilitate the search and rescue efforts,” CONAF said in its latest update, noting that there had been a “sudden change in weather conditions” since the search began on Monday.
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Chilean President Gabriel Boric addressed the operation and its toll in a statement on X, saying, “I would like to recognize the teams from Carabineros, the Army, Socorro Andino, and Conaf, who have worked tirelessly and from the very first moment on search, rescue, and now evacuation efforts for the people lost in the area, amid intense snowfall and winds of up to 190 km per hour (118 mph).”
“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,” he added.
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Reuters reported that the tourists became lost near the park’s Los Perros camp, which is approximately a five-hour trek from the nearest point accessible by vehicle.
Regional Presidential Delegate José Ruiz Pivcevic also shared a message on X, writing, “We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the five people who died. We appreciate the efforts of all the institutions that participated in this operation.”
