Tragedy on Mount Bogong: Two Chinese Women Found Dead in Desperate Bid to Survive Extreme Weather
- Chinese authorities issue safety alerts for citizens in Australia after two women die on Mount Bogong in Victoria’s alpine region
- The women, believed to be in their 20s or 30s, were found huddled together in an attempt to survive extreme weather conditions
- Police warn of “blizzard conditions” and temperatures as low as -11C, with hypothermia suspected as the cause of death
Two Chinese women have died in a tragic hiking accident on Mount Bogong in Victoria’s alpine region, prompting Chinese authorities to issue safety alerts for their citizens in Australia.
The women, believed to be in their 20s or 30s, were found huddled together on the mountain on Friday afternoon, attempting to survive extreme weather conditions. Their bodies were discovered by two fellow hikers, who are also medical doctors, near the Cleve Cole Hut, a shelter for trekkers.
In a statement, the Chinese Consulate-General in Melbourne warned Chinese citizens to take necessary precautions when traveling in Australia’s mountainous regions. “Recently, in the consular district of our Consulate, which includes Victoria and Tasmania, tragic accidents have occurred in which Chinese citizens lost their lives while hiking or mountain climbing outdoors,” the consulate said.
The consulate warned that the incidents were caused by sudden extreme weather and a lack of necessary survival equipment. “We are deeply saddened by the unfortunate deaths of these Chinese citizens,” the statement read. “The Chinese Consulate-General in Melbourne once again solemnly reminds Chinese citizens in the consular district that safety must be the top priority when traveling abroad.”
Police and rescue crews hiked to the remote location, where they were forced to wait until the next morning to retrieve the bodies due to extreme weather conditions. Inspector Paul Hargreaves said the bodies may have been at the location for two to three days before being discovered.
This tragedy comes just a week after another Chinese woman died while hiking in Cradle Mountain National Park in Tasmania. She was part of a group of four tourists who struggled in cold conditions, and rescuers were forced to camp with the group overnight.
Tasmania Police Inspector Steve Jones said the woman was not prepared for bushwalking and found herself overwhelmed by the extreme weather conditions. “Unfortunately, they were not prepared for bushwalking and found themselves overwhelmed by the extreme weather conditions,” he said.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging hikers to take necessary precautions when venturing into Australia’s mountainous regions. “It’s a pretty brutal environment, if things go wrong it will kill you,” said Keith Jackson from the Mt Bogong Mountaineering Club.