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Subscribe to RSSLONDON - Four climbers were killed in an avalanche in the Scottish Highlands on Saturday, police said, in by far the worst incident linked to a blast of cold weather that has hit Britain.
The victims, two men and two women, were in a party of six out climbing in the Glencoe area, renowned for its beautiful landscapes. Scotland is home to Britain's highest mountains and is a popular destination for hikers and climbers.
Northern Constabulary, the force that polices the Highlands, said one woman from the same party was in hospital in a very serious condition. The sixth climber, who raised the alarm after the avalanche struck, was safe and being cared for by emergency services.
Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond described the deaths as "an appalling tragedy."
"To lose four people from a party of six is truly devastating," he said in a statement.
Although Britain has a large and enthusiastic community of hill walkers and mountaineers, it does not have any major mountain chains. Accidents on the scale of the Glencoe incident are rare.
Elsewhere in Britain, road, rail and air traffic were disrupted by heavy snowfall that started on Friday.
Dozens of flights out of London's Heathrow Airport were canceled and British media had extensive coverage of chaotic scenes inside one passenger terminal where large numbers of people had spent the night on the floor.
Related story: Hundreds of flights canceled in UK because of heavy snow
Copyright 2013 Thomson Reuters. Click for restrictions.
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So sad, I hope the survivors recover quickly. R.I.P.
NBC world news??? This is world news??
Four climbers die climbing a snow ridden mountain that is avalanche prone, imagine that...wow...world news!
My sympathies for the perished, but this is NOT world news.
So enlighten us. What is your definition of "world news?" Is it restricted only to things that affect you, personally?
It's highly news worthy... My first thought was "avalanches in the Scottish highlands?" Without big rugged mountains it must have been some VERY unusual weather conditions.
It should tell you that some people find beauty in beautiful places and risk everything to see it in person. You on the other hand sit at your computer and enjoy what other people do in person. That makes you pathetic, a loser and a sponge!
to risk ur life ha ,,, what a wacko ur ,,, take a break seek help be 4 u lose it...
I still find it illogical to go mountain hiking or climbing-- in the winter time.
Seems, all too often, like a fool's errand!
Obama-goober J55, a fools errand is right up your alley. We'll look for you when the snow melts.
shosyn,
What a tool. What is your "world news" ? Does it have to happen off planet earth?
You are an idiot!
Aah, the self-named idiot with the name he needs to find some imaginary confidence and manhood.
Hello. (Heh! Heh!) "TheStar"? Still pissed at that new butt-hole I tore into your scrawney flat ass, on that Obama article, I see! "TheStar"? So quaint & amusing. And, pathetic...!!
Since you brought it to this article, I'll tell you a public secret: "I'm still "laffing" at your sorry li'l ass! Heh! Heh! Whine on, turd...!!"
The Obama-goober J55 is what I would expect in an ignorant Obama-goober. Ignorance is bliss for an Obama-goober. I know you're fantasizing about my butthole Obama-goober J55 but I don't swing that way.
Uh, Star... quit whining like the b!tch that you are, and stay outta grown folks's conversations.
Besides, you bore me, silly little boy. I'm ignoring your punkass.
So Obama-goober J55, if you're ignoring me why are you replying to me with your liberal slime puke comments? Oh, excuse me, you are a liberal slimepuke Obama-goober.
Jesus, could you please whine a little more?
Ass!
I was thinking, "giant snow man?"
ther's no mountains in schotlan WTF.. maybe some bad barly brew from the ire.
I've been to Glencoe, and yes, this surprised me as the mountains simply don't seem tall enough to allow for the creation of avalanche conditions. It was beautiful and sad (damn Cambells and all) but just not tall. More like foothills of the Rockies and Sierras. This therefore constitutes news, not to mention the fact that four people are dead.
Thanks Ohjoy I too have been there , my mother came not far from there and I enjoyed Glencoe in summer not winter and having been born in Northern Ireland I know what their winters are like. Severe storms 6 feet of snow and not being able to leave your home, most people don't understand the conditions. Very scary.
These people obviously thought they were doing the right thing and got caught unawares. So sad
What the Hell ya doin up there, Anyway!
Glencoe, wear the fox hat?
I sorry that this happened but every year a new group of idiots wants to go and risk their lives and every year someone dies. Is their a point, no lets get some more suicide victims ready.
yes. their a point should be there a point
All of you write yourself a note. I will not climb mountains in the middle of Winter.
These are not really mountains. That's what makes this story unusual. They aren't the type of topography that normally creates the conditions necessary for an avalanche. These climbers had no reason to believe that there was any danger of an avalanche.
Personally, I wouldn't go hiking in the snow. I'm much to fond of warmth and comfort, but I wouldn't criticize these folks for hiking at this time of year. These are the Scottish Highlands, NOT the high Sierras. People hike them all year long, all the time.
Sad indeed. Here's to the go-getters that have the balls
to defy nature just to see things up close and personal.
My hat's off to them, farewell.
Just 4 deaths? On a good day, we lose at least 6.
well they arent any smarter over there than they are here ..every winter we lose 20 or 30 because there not smart enough to listen to the news and hear them say stay out of the back country because of avalanch danger..but its good for the economy hear in utah..puts the mortitions to work geting there funreals ready and people buy gas and food traveling to them..but the shape our countrys in you know the people arent real smart any more
Yeah; they have balls, but lack brains. Climbing mountains, exploring, etc, is awesome. But you have to pick when it is appropriate...There was most likely a huge search and rescue effort to find these fools...albeit, at tax payer expense. Money that could be used to offset some much needed public services.
I thought the world was sweltering under heat. Are you sure that they didn't get hit by a falling coconut from a palm tree?
I say we should ban avalanches to prevent further atrocities of this manner! And, further restrict winter weather to help prevent injuries.
stupid is as stupid does thats the risk they take doing these stunts
Ban snow! Snow kills!
Two young brothers killed in Utah avalanche yesterday.
Im with Kevin,better ban that snow
Connor MacLeod would have survived easily. After all, he is the Highlander. He is immortal.
Stop the madness!!! Ban avalanches now, please Obama, PLEEEEEEASE!!!!!
They risk their life for NOTHING valuable, why no just stay in the valley or watch movies in home ?
Obama is set to sign executive action to impose bans on mountain climbing and snow. All mountains in the US will be bulldozed down and winter will be banned forever. This is the right move. End the snow violence NOW!!!!
I think the US can learn from this incident. After Obama and the other Politicians solve the gun problem with new "gun control" legislation, they should consider tackling "Climbing- control" to prevent deaths from illegal, unregistered climbing. Yes- Snow and mountain control should also be considered. They should be illegal also for our children's sake.
And as MSPCP reports- Semi automatic assault weapons were found in the hands of the dead climbers.....
Maybe Scotland needs to outlawy avalanches! Maybe a background check or waiting period.
You don't exactly reenforce your argument that you are a rational, law abiding gun owner when you behave like a ten year old sticking out your tongue. Try civilized discourse. This story is about four people who died in an avalanche. It doesn't have anything to do with gun control. Take your childish, disrespectful behavior someplace else.