A devastating snowstorm in Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park has resulted in the tragic deaths of five tourists, including Victoria Bond, a 40-year-old public relations consultant from Cornwall, UK. The incident, described as a ‘deeply regrettable tragedy’ by park authorities, also claimed the lives of two German and two Mexican nationals. Their bodies were discovered on Tuesday amidst extreme weather conditions, with winds reaching up to 118 mph (190 km/h).
Victoria Bond, who had been leading public relations for Visit Isles of Scilly for over six years, was on what was described as a ‘trip of a lifetime’ with friends in Argentina and Chile. She was hiking in the park when the storm struck, trapping her and the others.
Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font praised the efforts of search and rescue teams who braved the intense snowfall and high winds to locate the victims. The Chilean National Forestry Corporation (CONAF) has initiated an internal investigation to determine any potential liability and to review safety and communication protocols within the park.
The ‘O’ circuit, a popular hiking route where the tragedy occurred, remains closed as investigations continue. CONAF has emphasized its commitment to improving prevention and emergency response capabilities in the park, which spans a vast and complex terrain. The organization also highlighted the coordinated efforts between CONAF and concessionary companies that operate shelters and camps within the park.
This incident has cast a somber shadow over the region, with CONAF expressing its solidarity with the families of the deceased and all those affected by the tragedy. The review of safety measures aims to prevent such incidents in the future, ensuring the protection of visitors to one of Chile’s most renowned natural landmarks.