2018 could be one of the worst years for accidents in the Swiss mountains.
Keystone
The number of deadly incidents in the Swiss mountains nearly doubled to 136 in the first nine months of the year compared with the same period last year.
Extraordinary weather conditions with plenty of snow and a hot summer attracted more people to the mountains and hills for leisure activities, the Alpine Club said in a statement on Monday.
The high number of fatal accidents was the result of an increasing number of people skiing off-piste, on ski tours or with snow shoes, it added.
The sharp rise in fatal accidents was already evident when the Alpine Club presented its half-year figures.
“The unfavourable intermediary figures are largely due to weather-related reasons. Similar conditions also led to a higher number of victims in the past,” the statement said.
In 2015, the mountaineering club recorded 144 fatal accidents, while 138 people died in 2011.
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