Tragic Avalanche Claims Life of Mountaineer in Benasque Huesca

A tragic incident unfolded in the Cipollés cirque area of Benasque, Huesca, where one of two mountaineers trapped by an avalanche was confirmed dead on Thursday, according to sources from the Civil Guard. The other mountaineer involved has been airlifted to the Miguel Servet Hospital in Zaragoza by a medically equipped helicopter from 112 emergency services. The alarm was raised around 12:39 PM by two members of a group of four, who reported that their companions had been buried under the avalanche. In response, the GREIM (Mountain Rescue and Intervention Group) was deployed, supported by additional personnel, totaling eight agents. Initial reports from the Government of Aragon suggest that the avalanche struck in an area outside the designated skiing domain. Unfortunately, both skiers exhibited only faint vital signs and were subjected to a hypothermia protocol in a grim attempt to revive them. Canine units from the Civil Guard Mountain group also took part in the rescue efforts. Due to hazardous conditions on Pyrenean roads, Roberto Bermúdez, the Interior Counselor of the Government of Aragon, decided to monitor the operation remotely from the 112 emergency operations room in the Pignatelli building, which houses the Aragonian government. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by avalanches, particularly as the Government of Aragon had issued warnings just a day prior. Officials had urged caution, explicitly advising against off-piste skiing and mountain skiing due to a heightened risk of avalanche occurrences, even with what may seem like low-intensity snow packs. The region has seen a series of similar tragedies, with five individuals reported to have lost their lives due to avalanches in Aragon since December 29. As the snow continues to fall and the mountains attract enthusiasts, the call for vigilance remains more pertinent than ever. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2