Two Czech mountain climbers killed in Slovakia's High Tatras

Tuesday morning saw a climbing accident leave two Czech mountaineers stranded in Slovakia's High Tatra Mountains, while two fell to their deaths. The mountaineers got into trouble at around 7 a.m. local time in an area known as the Small Ice Shield. Rescue crews immediately began operations. Dangerous weather conditions and difficult terrain, however, hampered rescue efforts. One of the surviving climbers was taken to hospital in the town of Poprad, while rescuers were finally able to reach the remaining mountaineer Tuesday night. He was taken to hospital and is recovering from his ordeal with only minor injuries. A crew of some 18 rescue workers along with specially trained dogs and a helicopter crew were all involved in the operation to save the climbers' lives.

Author: Jan Velinger