In the USA, two climbers killed on Aoraki

• Two climbers were killed on Aoraki, one of them from the USA.
• Two climbers were rescued who did not sustain injuries.
• The accident occurred during an ascent to the summit of the mountain.

Wellington, New Zealand (AP) — Two climbers were killed as a result of a fall on Aoraki, the highest mountain in New Zealand. One of the deceased was a climber from the USA. The incident took place on Monday when a group of four people was ascending to the summit of the mountain.

After receiving a distress signal, two members of the group were rescued by helicopter, but the other two could not be found. Search efforts lasted throughout the night, and the bodies of the deceased were discovered in the morning during local time.

Specialists from rescue organizations and government agencies confirmed the bodies of the deceased were identified that same day. Although the identities of the deceased have not been disclosed, it has been confirmed that one of them is a U.S. citizen.

The government of New Zealand is cooperating with the U.S. consulate. A coroner will conduct an investigation into the deaths. The other deceased was a internationally recognized climber and a member of the New Zealand Alpine Club.

At the moment of the fall, the climbers were roped together. The rescued climbers did not sustain injuries.

Aoraki has an elevation of 3,724 meters and is part of the Southern Alps, which stretch across the entire southern part of the island. This mountain is popular among experienced climbers, but its relief is technically complex due to crevasses, rockfalls, variable weather, and the movement of glaciers.

Since the beginning of the 20th century on this mountain and in the adjacent national park, more than 240 deaths have been recorded. Many of the deceased have not been found.