Five Bosnian mountaineers die on Mount Elbrus, two survivors rescued as investigation continues

The expedition began its ascent on July 25. According to the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation for Kabardino-Balkaria, one climber managed to descend from the mountain and alert emergency services after reporting that two members of the group had fallen ill at an altitude of around 5,100 metres.

Rescue teams later located another survivor, and both were transported to hospital for medical treatment. Russian authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

As the rescue operation progressed, Russian emergency services confirmed that five members of the Bosnian expedition had died. Rescuers have recovered two bodies, but adverse weather conditions have so far prevented their evacuation. The bodies are located at an altitude of approximately 5,350 metres on Mount Elbrus, while search efforts for the remaining three victims continue.

Russia's Ministry of Emergency Situations said eight members of the Elbrus High Mountain Search and Rescue Team remain engaged in the operation despite difficult weather conditions.

Bosnia and Herzegovina's Foreign Minister Elmedin Konakovic, said the ministry became involved immediately after receiving information about the tragedy from members of the country's Mountain Rescue Service (GSS).

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been in contact with our Embassy in Moscow since the early morning hours. We are taking all necessary steps to first confirm the information officially. Unfortunately, everything indicates that the reports are true. Once official confirmation is received, we will begin the process of transporting the bodies to Bosnia and Herzegovina," Konakovic said.

The Ministry said it is coordinating with the Bosnian Embassy in Moscow to establish all the circumstances surrounding the accident.

Kenan Hrustanovic, head of the Zenica Mountain Rescue Service, confirmed to FENA that all five victims were from Zenica.

"I can only confirm that all those who died were from Zenica – two members of GSS Zenica and three members of the Vedro Mountaineering Club. Only Haris Adilovic and Kemal Vidimlic survived," Hrustanović said.

He added that he would likely have joined the expedition himself had he not suffered a knee injury before the trip.

According to Russian media reports, the weather on Mount Elbrus deteriorated rapidly during the expedition, after which two climbers fell ill and the emergency rescue operation was launched. Russian law enforcement authorities have preliminarily identified all five victims as citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina.