First Minister thanks Cairngorms avalanche rescuers
Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond has expressed his sympathies to the families and friends of three people killed in the Chalamain Gap avalanche in the Cairngorms yesterday (Thursday):
Two men and a woman were airlifted to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary after a huge search and rescue operation in the pass following the avalanche which occurred just after 12.30pm.
A man and woman were confirmed to have died later the same day. Police confirmed in the early hours today that the second man had also died as a result of his injuries.
Mr Salmond said: "My thoughts and sympathies are with the family and friends of those who have sadly been killed in this tragic accident, as well as those who are still being cared for in hospital.
"I’d also like to thank all those involved in the rescue effort and the medical staff who are treating the injured.
"This is another stark and tragic reminder of the dangers on our mountains. They are one of the most beautiful places on earth but they can also be inherently dangerous with treacherous and changeable conditions."
Efforts are continuing to trace all next of kin and police said that until this has been done there will be no further information issued.
Nine other people in the same party were unhurt and walked off the mountain.
It is understood the three climbers involved were buried in the snow when rescuers found them.
Officers from Northern Constabulary are being assisted by members of the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team, SARDA Scotland dogs, RAF Lossiemouth MRT and RAF Helicopter 137 also from Lossiemouth.
• We’ll bring more on this story as we get it.
