Three Croatian hikers were killed by a snow avalanche in Slovenia, the Mountain Rescue Association of Slovenia said on Monday, reported Xinhua.
The avalanche occurred on Sunday below Mount Tosc, a 2,275-meter peak in the Julian Alps. The body of one hiker was recovered late on Sunday, while rescuers found the other two on Monday, buried up to 1.5 meters beneath the snow.
"The search was very difficult due to snow, rain and a serious danger of new avalanches," the association said in a statement on its Facebook page.
The victims were part of a group of seven Croatian mountaineers who were descending the mountain in challenging weather conditions.
"Mountain hiking in the coming days is very dangerous and we advise against it," the association warned, adding that "current conditions in the high mountains are extremely difficult."
Mountain rescue teams also assisted several other hikers in the Slovenian Alps on Sunday and Monday, as heavy snowfall made descent impossible for some. A few hikers had to remain in mountain huts while awaiting helicopter rescue.
The Julian Alps are most accessible during the summer months when weather conditions are favorable and snowfalls are rare.
According to local media reports, 15 people have been killed by snow avalanches in Slovenia over the past 15 years.
- Avalanche
- Slovenia
- Croatian hikers
Source: www.dailyfinland.fi
