Visit Isles of ScillyThe deaths of five tourists in a snowstorm in Patagonia have been described as a “deeply regrettable tragedy” by national park bosses.
Victoria Bond, 40, a public relations consultant from Cornwall, was named by Chilean authorities as among those killed in the tourist hotspot of Torres del Paine National Park.
Two German and two Mexican citizens also died in the snowstorm, according to Jose Antonio Ruiz – the presidential delegate of the Magallanes region of southern Chile. Their bodies were found on Tuesday.
Chile’s National Forestry Corporation (CONAF) said it had ordered an internal investigation “to determine any potential liability”.
Carabineros de Chile/ReutersVisit Isles of Scilly said Ms Bond had headed up its public relations for more than six years and was on a “trip of lifetime” with friends in Argentina and Chile.
She was out hiking when she became trapped in the storm, the organisation said.
Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font paid tribute to search and rescue teams who worked in “intense” snowfall and winds reaching speeds of up to 118mph (190km/h).
CONAF said its priority had been to relocate people who were in the “O” circuit – a hiking route within the national park, who were being evacuated by the Chilean Air Force and Carabineros, using both air and ground means.
“We deeply regret this tragedy and send our solidarity to the families of the deceased and to all those who have experienced very difficult times in Torres del Paine National Park,” it said.
The circuit remains closed for the investigation and CONAF said the first responders deployed to the incident were its park rangers.
It said there were 51 personnel on site on Sunday – which was Chile’s presidential election day – and Monday.
“Due to changing weather conditions in the area and the first alerts received in the Paine Massif circuit, the emergency protocol was activated, which includes the deployment of personnel to the affected area,” it continued.
It added: “In a territory of the size and complexity of Torres del Paine, the protection work is carried out in a coordinated manner between CONAF and the concessionary companies that operate shelters and camps, which maintain permanent staff in each sector.
“Following this tragedy, CONAF will review the safety and communication protocols in the park’s circuits together with the concessionaires, with the aim of strengthening prevention and emergency response capacity.”
