On the afternoon of July 3, 2022, a glacier collapsed on Marmolada , the highest mountain in the Italian Alps, and large chunks of ice rushed towards a popular hiking location. So far, 6 people have been killed, 8 injured, and 10 others are missing.
According to British media reports on July 3, 2022, the incident caused many people to evacuate from the Marmolada Mountain in the Italian Alps, and local officials warned of the risk of further collapses. Five helicopters and dog units have been sent to the area to search for survivors, Italian newspaper La Repubblica reported.
A witness told the newspaper: "We heard a very loud noise and then we saw the glacier collapse." Mountain rescuer Luigi Felicetti told Italian state television: "We saw some dead people and large Ice, rocks."
Local authorities said rescue operations were underway, adding that "heavy casualties" were possible. Rescuers said large amounts of ice fell on the route hikers usually take to reach the summit. A spokesman said: "Fortunately, the weather conditions are good, but the danger is that further collapses may occur."
The region has been hit by a heat wave in recent weeks, with the Dolomite peaks reaching record temperatures, which could cause glaciers to collapse. . The injured climbers were taken to hospitals in the area, with emergency services saying at least two were in serious condition.
