A desperate rescue mission is underway in Alaska after four climbers plunged while scaling North America’s tallest peak on Thursday, officials said.
Park rangers rushed into action after receiving a chilling midnight report Thursday that four climbers from a seven-member team trekking up Mount McKinley had fallen near the treacherous Denali Pass at 18,200 feet, according to the National Park Service.
The condition of the fallen climbers was not immediately known.
Officials said the three remaining team members retreated to High Camp – the last stop before the 17,000-foot summit – hours after “attending to their fallen climbing partners.”
Scott Carr, a park service spokesperson, told the Associated Press that officials had been in contact with the three surviving climbers and would release more information “if and when it becomes appropriate.”
The search is still underway for the missing explorers.
Officials said improving weather conditions are expected to soon allow helicopters to join the critical rescue effort. Carr said late Thursday that authorities were still waiting for a safe window to safely fly.
“This remains an active incident,” park officials said Thursday.
“The National Park Service is focused on rescue operations and notification of family members. Additional details will be released when they are confirmed and appropriate to share.”
The Alaskan mountain is the highest point in the US.
There have been numerous climbing injuries and fatalities over the years along the route between High Camp and Denali Pass, according to the park.
Climbs are urged to carry their own pickets if ranger and guide protection is unavailable.
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