Tragedy in Julian Alps: Avalanche Claims Lives of Three Croatian Climbers

In a tragic turn of events, three Croatian climbers were killed in a devastating avalanche that struck below the Toska mountain peak in Slovenia's Julian Alps, rescuers reported on Monday.

The search for the climbers, who embarked on their trek despite adverse weather warnings, commenced on Sunday. Rescuers initially discovered the body of one climber before poor conditions forced them to halt operations. The corpses of the remaining climbers were found the following day by an extensive team of 45 rescuers, police, and a helicopter, at an elevation of 1,800 meters.

The rescue mission was fraught with peril, hampered by weather that grounded the helicopter, necessitating a takeoff from a nearby peak. Wet snow and wind were likely culprits behind the avalanche, as noted by rescue team leader Miha Arh. The Slovenian and Croatian interior ministers echoed calls for caution, advising against mountain trips amidst challenging conditions.

(With inputs from agencies.)