Two people declared dead in avalanche
Two German citizens have been declared dead after an avalanche on Fridtjovbreen. They were hit by the avalanche while on a trip with the Russian tourist company Arctic Travel Company Grumant earlier today. The guided group consisted of two guides and five foreign tourists.
This content is more than one year old. The information may therefore be out of date.
The Governor was notified at 14:50 that two people were reported missing in the Fridtjovbreen area, around 15-20 kilometres south of Barentsburg.
The Governor dispatched a helicopter with rescue personnel and an avalanche dog. There were poor weather conditions in the area, and the helicopter was unable to land. Personnel from the Governor and health professionals were able to get to the area.
Longyearbyen Local Council has established an evacuation center and have mobilised a team that will provide support for the persons involved. Affected persons will be notified via KRIPOS.