Climbers on Denali Mount McKinley faced a rapid rescue tonight after a fall; park rangers are coordinating the response in Alaska. Denali is the high North American peak; park preserves vast wilderness.
Four climbers from a seven-member team have fallen near Denali Pass at 18,200 feet. Three survivors have returned to High Camp while rescuers await a weather window to reach the others. The National Park Service confirms weather conditions are improving and helicopter operations will proceed when safe.
Three climbers have died on Denali and a fourth is critically injured after a fall on a challenging West Buttress traverse near Denali Pass. The Latvian expedition’s seven climbers were near Denali Pass when the accident occurred; weather delays recovery efforts and authorities warn the situation remains dangerous for rescuers.