Authorities said it was unclear what caused the crash, proposing it may have been the result of human error or a possible rockslide.
Two Austrian mountaineers have been found dead in the Italian Alps after being reported missing.
On Thursday, August 1, the climbers’ bodies were located hanging from their climbing ropes at an altitude of about 2,000 meters (about 6,600 feet), according to a translated document. Facebook post from the Soccorso Alpino and Speleologico Friuli Venezia Giulia emergency rescue service.
The climbers, both from Villach, Austria, were climbing the Cima di Riofreddo mountain in the Julian Alps, which stretch from northern Italy to Slovenia. Their loved ones attempted to contact them by phone when they did not return, according to the release.
The rescue service said it was unclear what caused the fall, suggesting it could have been the result of human error or a possible rockslide.
Alpine and Speleological Soccorso
Related: 5 people found dead in snow cave after disappearing on ski trip
Two helicopter rescue operations were carried out to rescue the climbers. The bodies were located on the first mission, but could not be recovered for security reasons.
At around 5am local time, the second mission took off with rescue teams and a helicopter technician on board, as well as 10 rescue teams at base camp for additional assistance.
Before the rescue, the two climbers’ vehicle was located in the parking lot, as per initial report.
According to Summit Post, Cima di Riofreddo reaches an elevation of 8,225 feet and has “high walls and sharp ridges on all sides.” According to the outlet, the mountain is difficult to climb because there is no marked path to reach its summit.
Never miss a story – subscribe to PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up to date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
That same day, the rescue service posted alerts for several other emergency situations, one of which involved a hiker who became stuck on the Tenente Ferrante di Ruffano climbing route. He was hanging from a safety cord after experiencing difficulties with his equipment. He was returned to safety by a group of rescuers.
The other incidents involved a climber who had difficulties with a rock wall at the top of Bila Pec mountain and a hiker who had to be escorted to Piani del Montasio.
For more People news, be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter!
Read the original article at People.
