Five Bosnian Mountaineers Die in Mount Elbrus Avalanche

Georgia. It has been confirmed that five mountaineers from Bosnia and Herzegovina died in a severe avalanche on Russia's Mount Elbrus. Russian news agency RIA Novosti reported on Sunday that the bodies of three of them could not yet be brought down from the mountain due to bad weather.

According to Russia's Ministry of Emergency Situations, rescuers recovered the bodies of two mountaineers at an altitude of 5,350 meters (17,552 feet) above sea level. Prior to that, the rescue team had safely brought down two living mountaineers and sent them to the hospital for treatment.

According to the regional branch of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation, the bodies of three more mountaineers have also been found. However, these bodies have not yet been brought down from the mountain due to adverse weather.

Although Russian authorities have not officially released the nationality of the deceased, officials from the regional security agency informed that they are citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Mount Elbrus is located north of the Georgian border and has a height of 5,642 meters (18,511 feet). It is Europe's highest mountain and is considered risky due to sudden changes in weather and climbing conditions.

According to Bosnian media, the seven-member mountaineering team were residents of the city of Zenica. The team included a married couple and a female doctor working at a local hospital.

Russian media reported that the search and rescue operation was very difficult due to adverse weather, including strong winds.