2nd August 2023
A Dutch and a French hiker were hit while ascending the Aiguilles du Tour on Mont Blanc. Climate change is making the mountains more unstable. NEW
The hiking tour requires the use of ropes with ice axes and crampons recommended.
A 36-year old man and 22-year old woman from Holland were hit by the rockfall.
The man died and the woman survived.
The rockfall continued down the mountain and hit another group.
A 26-year old Frenchman was fatally injured.
The bodies have been recovered and an investigation is underway.
Around 100 hikers and climbers die each year in the Mont Blanc Massif.
Rising temperatures are melting the permafrost with the mountains generally becoming less stable.
The authorities are reminding people to exercise caution and to wear helmets when hiking in rocky terrain.
PlanetSKI was hiking in the Chamonix Valley earlier this summer.