12 alpinists killed in Bezengi Valley avalanche
A snow and ice avalanche in the Bezengi Valley of Kabardino-Balkaria killed at least 12 alpinists, marking the deadliest mountain disaster in Russia in 25 years. The incident occurred on September 8, 2026, on Mount Mijirgi, where 33 alpinists were caught in the avalanche.
Consensus
- The avalanche occurred in the Bezengi Valley, Kabardino-Balkaria.
- The avalanche happened on Mount Mijirgi.
- At least 12 alpinists died.
- A total of 33 alpinists were affected by the avalanche.
- The event is the deadliest mountain disaster in Russia in the past 25 years.
- The incident is comparable to the 2002 Karmandon Valley disaster.
- The Ministry of Emergency Situations (MCHS) had issued warnings about avalanche danger on the day of the event.
- The avalanche was triggered by a snow and ice slide.
Points of divergence
- The event may be the largest in terms of fatalities since 2002, when 125 people died in the Karmandon Valley disaster. — vm
- There have been four recorded cases of mass fatalities in Russia's mountainous regions in modern history, including the 2026 Bezengi Valley incident. — vm
- The 2002 Karmandon disaster involved the destruction of the village of Lower Karmandon and the film crew of Sergei Bodrov Jr. — vm
- The 2006 Elbrus disaster resulted in 11 alpinists dying during a climb on Mount Elbrus. — vm
- The 2010 Kamchatka disaster involved a Mi-8T helicopter destroyed by an avalanche, killing 10 people. — vm
- Telegram channel Shot reported 13 deaths, contradicting the official count of 12. — vm
- The event is the most massive alpinist fatality in Russia in 24 years. — vesti
- The 2002 Karmandon incident involved 125 fatalities, including local residents and members of the film crew. — vesti
- The event is the most massive in Russia in the past 25 years, based on TASS data. — tg_tass_agency
Coverage (3 sources)
- In the Bezengi gorge, the largest death toll of climbers in Russia in 24 years occurred — Вести
- TASS: Death of climbers in Bezengi gorge became the most mass in Russia for 24 years — Вечерняя Москва
- Death of climbers in Bezengi gorge becomes most mass in Russia in quarter century, according to data based on TASS calculations... — ТАСС (Telegram)