Torres del Paine: Risks to know on the O-Circuit trekking route

The O-Circuit in Chile's Torres del Paine National Park is known for its scenic beauty but also its dangers. A snowstorm that killed five tourists has exposed safety shortcomings.

Majestic beauty and hidden dangers

Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia, Chile, is a dream destination for many trekking enthusiasts around the world . It is famous for its three majestic granite peaks, blue glaciers and wild valleys. Among them, the 126-130km O-Circuit is one of the most challenging and spectacular journeys. However, a recent tragic incident has sounded the alarm about the risks that visitors may face.

The O Circuit is a 126-130km trekking route around Torres del Paine National Park, Patagonia (Chile)

Tragedy in the November blizzard

On November 17, a severe snowstorm swept through the area, especially around John Gardner Pass, at a time when many trekking groups were on the move. According to the BBC, winds of up to 190km/h reduced visibility to almost zero. As a result, five people died, including a British woman, two German tourists and two Mexican tourists. Many others suffered hypothermia, collapsed and lost their way.

Survivors recounted their harrowing experiences and expressed frustration at what they described as indifference from staff at shelters. Despite seeking advice, many staff reportedly encouraged them to continue their journey to John Gardner Pass, which later became the epicenter of the storm.

Search and rescue after snowstorm in Chile

Delayed response and self-rescue efforts by tourists

Christian Aldridge, a British tourist who accompanied Victoria Bond, said that when his group reported Bond missing, national park staff did not act immediately. Tour groups had to organize their own search for the missing and rescue the injured in harsh weather conditions.

Victim Victoria Bond

During the search, Aldridge's team found the body of a Mexican tourist, Julian Garcia Pimentel. Many survivors said it took them up to three days to escape the park without significant evacuation assistance.

Request for improvement of safety system

Following the incident, the Chilean National Forestry Corporation (CONAF), which manages the park, launched an internal investigation and temporarily closed the O-Circuit. However, visitors say the core problem lies in the lack of early warning and a response plan in place.

More than 50 survivors from several countries have signed a petition calling for radical improvements to the safety system at Torres del Paine. Key proposals include:

• Increase the number of rangers on the O-Circuit.
• Establish a unified emergency communication channel throughout the park.
• Provide adequate medical equipment, hypothermia prevention equipment and first aid kits at each shelter.

The group believes that if these measures had been put in place earlier, the tragedy could have been prevented. The incident is a stark reminder of the importance of thorough preparation and strict safety procedures in even the world's most beautiful natural destinations.

Source: https://baodanang.vn/torres-del-paine-rui-ro-can-biet-o-cung-trekking-o-circuit-3312027.html