An avalanche on Greece’s highest mountain, Mount Olympus, has claimed the lives of two men who had gone for a hike a few days ago.
Three men allegedly climbed the mountain on Wednesday reaching the area of Xerolaki, which is 2,600 meters high. Mid-way through the hike, an avalanche came down and buried two of the men in tons of snow, while the third member of the group escaped and called rescuers.
The two men, aged 46 and 49, were experienced hikers and knew the area well, Sta TV reported. Rescuers brought the survivor, who was in shock, to safety.
According to local Greek media, the two victims were doctors from Larissa working in the public health care system.
A Super Puma helicopter with rescuers and firemen from the service in Katerini and Elassona assisted the Search and Rescue operation on Mt Olympus. One of the men was found after an hour of intensive search, later finding the second perished hiker.
