A crew of Italian rescuers survived a helicopter crash on Monte Rosa, the second-highest mountain in Western Europe, over the weekend. The crew was responding to a distress call when the helicopter crashed on the mountain's upper glacier. Despite the crash, the crew managed to complete its mission to save a mountaineer who had fallen into a crevasse.
One of the passengers in the helicopter described hearing a sudden 'thud' while flying at an altitude of about 14,760 feet (4500 meters). The helicopter was destroyed in the crash, but miraculously, the crew members escaped without serious injuries.
The helicopter wreckage was found under the Capanna Margherita, the highest building in Europe due to its altitude. The crew's resilience and determination were highlighted by the fact that they not only survived the crash but also continued with their rescue mission.
The rescue agency praised the crew's 'tenacious spirit' and dedication to their work. They successfully retrieved the mountaineer from the crevasse before being picked up by another helicopter from Zermatt, Switzerland, which transported them and the climber safely down to the valley.
Following the incident, the crew received medical evaluations at a hospital. Further details about the crash or the rescued mountaineer were not immediately available.
Monte Rosa, situated on the border between Italy and Switzerland, is known for its challenging terrain and attracts climbers and adventurers from around the world.
