Four Dutch Family Members Killed On Mont Dolent, Part of Mont Blanc Massif, Fifth Family Member Witnesses Fall

Click Here For The Latest Mont Dolent Update

Mont Dolent

Tragedy has struck a family of Dutch climbers today, as four family members have fallen to their deaths and another, after witnessing the fall of her climbing partners, is hospitalized with severe shock.

The group of five climbers were attempting to climb Mont Dolent in the Mont Blanc massif. Mont Blanc is Europe’s highest peak.

Italian news agency ANSA is reporting that the deaths involved a Dutch father and his three kids, his wife was the only survivor, but did witness the terrible accident.

The Press Association is currently reporting the accident suggesting that the nationalities of those involved were not currently known. AGI News is reporting that this was a single family of Dutch origin.

Operations are currently underway to recover the bodies of the fallen climbers.

At this point in time it is not real clear what exactly happened. Here is a small piece from IOL News:

The climbers were linked together with ropes and when the group leader stumbled he dragged the others down with him,” Aosta rescue official, Viglione Delfino, told television news channel SKY TG24.

The mother had turned back and was on her descent when the accident took place. She was not injured from a fall, but is currently hospitalized after witnessing her family’s tragic accident.

AFP, reporting through Canada.com is reporting that the mother put out the distress signal after witnessing the fall. Italian rescue crews are currently in the area and in the midst of recovering the bodies.

This is definitely a very sad situation to befall a single family. Let’s keep this woman in our thoughts and prayers today.

Mount Blanc is Europe’s highest peak and is a popular climbing destination. Accidents do happen quite frequently on the 4,810 meter peak with many of these attributed to amateurs out for a joy climb. Mont Blanc straddles the France-Italy-Switzerland border.

Click Below For Updated Information:

UPDATE: The Associated Press is currently reporting that the accident involved a Dutch man, his son, and two daughters. The mother, who was taken to a nearby medical facility for treatment of shock, has been released and has identified the bodies in Courmayeur. It is also being noted that the fall was a 1,600 ft. drop off Mont Dolent.

I am not sure if all bodies have been recovered, but that would seem to be the case, with the mother/wife making a positive identification.

Feel free to leave a comment with your thoughts and prayers.