Bosnian survivor from mount Elbrus defends expedition preparedness following tragedy

Speaking to the Russian newspaper Izvestia, Adilovic recounted the chronological events of the climb to Europe's highest peak and emphasized that the members of the team were experienced and well-trained mountaineers. He explained that training takes place every weekend in Bosnia and Herzegovina due to the close proximity of the mountains, which ensures high physical readiness.

The ascent began independently without hiring local professional guides, and problems arose almost immediately. According to Adilovic, the first roped team turned back early after one participant began freezing severely. The second team continued for another one hundred to one hundred fifty meters before deciding to abandon the climb as well, after fixing ropes and observing even worse conditions higher up.

Adilovic firmly rejected speculation regarding the group's lack of experience, reiterating that the main cause of the tragedy was inaccurate weather forecasting that turned the mountain into an environment where survival became nearly impossible within a very short time.

The distress call was sent out on July 25, prompting the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations to dispatch rescue teams to the site. Only Haris Adilovic and Kemal Vidimlic survived the severe mountain conditions, while the other five members of the Vedro Mountaineering Club from Zenica tragically lost their lives.

Authorities from the Ministry for Kabardino-Balkaria reported that complex weather conditions, including blizzards and low temperatures, continue to hamper the ongoing rescue and evacuation operation for the bodies of the fallen Bosnian citizens.