Six people die in Swiss mountain accidents

International

A TRAGIC weekend in Switzerland’s Alps claimed the lives of six individuals in separate mountain accidents, authorities reported on Sunday.

In the vicinity of the upscale resort town of Zermatt, rescuers recovered the bodies of five victims near the Rimpfischhorn mountain, after a group of climbers raised the alarm. The climbers reported discovering abandoned skis near the summit on Saturday, prompting a helicopter search. “The bodies of five people were quickly located,” Swiss police confirmed in an Agence France-Presse.

The incident is under investigation, with officials working to identify the victims. The Rimpfischhorn, a 4,199-meter peak located east of Zermatt and close to the Italian border, is a popular spot for backcountry skiers.

Meanwhile, in the Bern canton further to the north, a 29-year-old alpinist lost his life in an avalanche on the Morgenhorn. Two other climbers caught in the slide were rescued and treated for minor injuries.

Mountain sports are a beloved activity in Switzerland, and accidents, particularly in winter, are not uncommon. According to the Institute for the Study of Snow and Avalanches, this winter season alone, 15 people have died in avalanches across the country between October 1, 2024, and May 17, 2025.

Authorities are urging outdoor enthusiasts to exercise caution as winter sports season continues.(MyTVCebu)