On August 5, 2024, a tragic accident in the Mont-Blanc massif resulted in the death of a French climber and injuries to four others due to a serac collapse.

The serac, a large block of ice, collapsed at approximately 4,100 meters altitude around 3 AM, impacting a group of climbers on the popular 'traversée des 3 Monts' route.

Among the fifteen climbers present during the incident, one was killed, four were injured, and ten others escaped unharmed.

The deceased climber, identified as David Blot, was an experienced alpinist known for prioritizing safety during climbs.

Rescue operations were swiftly initiated, leading to the recovery of Blot's body and the hospitalization of two other climbers in their 40s.

Additionally, a 58-year-old Spanish national and his 17-year-old son suffered serious fractures from falling ice and were also hospitalized.

Two German climbers, aged 30 and 39, are currently missing, prompting extensive search efforts in the area.

Authorities suspect the missing climbers may have fallen into a crevasse due to the avalanche, complicating rescue efforts due to the risk of further icefalls.

The High Mountain Gendarmerie Platoon (PGHM) coordinated a significant rescue operation involving helicopters and canine teams to search for additional victims.

Yves Le Breton, the prefect of Haute-Savoie, expressed condolences to the victim's family and gratitude to the rescue teams for their efforts.

Experts emphasize the inherent risks of climbing in such areas, noting that serac falls can occur unexpectedly, underscoring the need for climbers to remain vigilant.