Three Latvian climbers die on North America's tallest peak

Three climbers from Latvia who fell near a risky pass on Denali —  North America's highest peak — have died, a Latvian mountaineering group said Friday.

A fourth member from the mountaineering expedition was rescued in critical condition.

Denali, also known as Mount McKinley, stands at a height of 20,310 feet (6,190 meters) above sea level in the US state of Alaska.

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A seven-person group was on the popular West Buttress route to the summit when four of the climbers fell during their ascent near Denali Pass on Wednesday, the Denali National Park and Preserve said.

The route is known for its crevasses, steep ice and exposed ridges, with many injuries and deaths occurring on it over the years.

The park service said the accident occurred at an altitude of over 5,500 meters.

The remaining three mountaineers of the group had initially attended to those who had fallen before returning to a camp at an altitude of around 5,100 meters

Rescue on treacherous pass

The climber who was rescued was brought off a mountain basin, from about 5,240 meters, by the park's search and rescue personnel late Thursday afternoon.

A long line from a helicopter was used for the rescue as the terrain and conditions prevented the chopper from landing, the park service said.

The survivor was then transferred to an air ambulance for transport to a hospital.

The Latvian Mountaineering Association described the victims as "talented and experienced" mountaineers.

"This is an unspeakably painful, irreparable loss for the entire family of Latvian mountain climbers," the organization said in a statement posted on its website.

Edited by: Sean Sinico

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