Ben Nevis avalanche: Three dead and one injured after several climbers caught in deadly snowslide on UK’s highest mountain

Several climbers were on the hill at time of avalanche, police said

An avalanche on Ben Nevis has claimed the lives of three people and injured one, police said.

Several climbers were caught up in the incident in a gully on the UK’s highest mountain on Tuesday morning.

Police Scotland initially reported that two people had been killed, but later updated that to three.

A spokesperson said: “Police Scotland is currently coordinating a mountain rescue response following reports of an avalanche on Ben Nevis this morning. Police were informed that the avalanche had occurred in number five gully area at around 11.50am. We can sadly confirm that three people have died and one person has been injured.

“Volunteers from Lochaber and Glencoe mountain rescue teams remain at the scene and were assisted by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Scottish Ambulance Service.”

The Scottish Ambulance Service was alerted to the incident shortly after midday and sent three ambulances to the peak.

A spokesperson said a helicopter and trauma team had also been sent to the scene.

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Scotland's first minister Nicola Sturgeon said it was “absolutely tragic news”. 

She tweeted: “My thoughts are very much with the bereaved and injured. And my gratitude as always for the work of our emergency services, Mountain Rescue and Coastguard.”