Torres del Paine: Safety lessons from the O-Circuit snowstorm.
Torres del Paine, November 17: Snowstorm with winds of 190 km/h on the O-Circuit kills 5 tourists. Survivors say there was a lack of warning; the route is temporarily closed for investigation.
A severe snowstorm on November 17th on the O-Circuit trekking route in Torres del Paine National Park (Patagonia, Chile) claimed the lives of five tourists, according to the BBC. Winds reaching 190 km/h reduced visibility to near zero, causing many to suffer from hypothermia, collapse, and become separated from their group. The surviving group reported receiving no early warning or timely assistance from local forces. The park management stated that the O-Circuit has been temporarily closed for an internal investigation.
Snowstorm on November 17th: key developments
According to BBC, the snowstorm struck while several groups were traveling through the John Gardner Pass on the long O-Circuit route. Wind gusts reached 190 km/h, plunging the terrain into snow and reducing visibility to almost zero. The incident resulted in five fatalities: one British woman, two German tourists, and two Mexican tourists.
A group of over 50 survivors recounted how they had to fend for themselves in harsh conditions: searching for missing persons, assisting the injured, and helping each other descend the mountain. They said it took them three days to get out of the park.
Account from the person who was with the victim.
Christian Aldridge, a British tourist traveling with Victoria Bond, said that even after the group reported Bond missing, national park staff remained indifferent, prioritizing guest reception procedures and dinner preparation, and refusing to immediately form a search team. Amid the chaos, Aldridge's group found the body of Mexican tourist Julian Garcia Pimentel, and then continued searching for Victoria Bond – who had separated from the group and was unable to escape the storm.
Feedback and investigation
The Chilean National Forestry Corporation (CONAF) – the agency that manages the park – said 51 personnel were on duty for the two days the incident occurred and activated the response procedure upon receiving reports of missing persons. CONAF launched an internal investigation and temporarily closed the O-Circuit to verify the information.
The two companies operating hotels in the park, Las Torres and Vertice, expressed their condolences and said they were cooperating with authorities. However, many tourists said they had been reassured by staff that they could continue up John Gardner Pass, despite the bad weather forecast.
Points that trekkers should keep in mind.
Feedback from the survivors indicates that the problem lies not only in the subsequent rescue efforts, but also in early warning systems and on-site support before the weather becomes dangerous. After escaping the disaster, more than 50 tourists from various countries signed a petition calling for safety upgrades along the entire route.
Petition from the group of survivors
- Increase the number of rangers on the O-Circuit route.
- Establish a unified emergency communication channel throughout the park.
- Provide medical equipment, hypothermia prevention tools, and rescue kits at each shelter.
- Implement early warning systems and control mountain pass crossings during bad weather.
O-Circuit and the Torres del Paine landscape
The O-Circuit is a trekking route of approximately 126–130 km around Torres del Paine National Park. The route encompasses the unique ecosystem of Patagonia (Chile), featuring the iconic three granite peaks of Torres del Paine, glaciers, crystal-clear lakes, and expansive valleys.
Practical information you need to know
- Date of incident: November 17th; wind speeds recorded up to 190 km/h in the O-Circuit area (according to BBC).
- Casualties: 5 tourists killed, including one British woman, two German tourists, and two Mexican tourists.
- Line status: O-Circuit is temporarily closed for investigation (according to CONAF).
- On-site personnel: CONAF reported that 51 personnel were on duty during the two days the incident occurred.
Summary for trekking enthusiasts
Torres del Paine is a destination with majestic but harsh natural conditions. The November 17 incident highlighted the vital role of early warning, on-site support, and preparedness for hypothermia on long-distance routes like the O-Circuit. Recommendations from the survivors – from increased ranger presence and unified emergency communication to medical supplies at shelters – are crucial for improving safety when the route reopens.
