In a tragic series of incidents on the Mont Blanc massif, a 52-year-old mountaineer lost his life due to a rock fall in the Goûter corridor. The accident occurred during the night from Friday to Saturday, prompting a rescue operation by the Chamonix High Mountain Gendarmerie Platoon (PGHM) at approximately 2:30 a.m. The mountaineer was part of a group of three, with his two companions being airlifted to safety.
This unfortunate event marks the fourth fatality within a week in the Mont Blanc region. On Friday, a 67-year-old climber died after falling into a crevasse while descending the north face, injuring his companion in the process. Earlier in the week, two young Spanish climbers, aged 26 and 27, tragically fell several hundred meters while attempting to test a block of stone for a rappel at the summit of Mont Blanc du Tacul (4,248 m). This incident highlights the inherent dangers of climbing in this area, particularly in the Goûter corridor, which has a history of accidents, including the death of a Polish climber at the end of June.
The recent spate of accidents raises concerns about safety measures and the challenges faced by climbers in the Mont Blanc massif. As the climbing season progresses, it is crucial for mountaineers to remain vigilant and informed about the risks associated with this iconic yet perilous mountain range.
