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A Fatal Accident in the Lepontine Alps
A tragic avalanche hit a group of hikers in the Lepontine Alps, killing three people. The accident occurred on the eastern ridge of Punta Valgrande, a 2856-meter peak that marks the border between the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola and Switzerland, in the municipality of Trasquera. The victims, Matteo Auguadro, Enzo Bonini and Matteo Lomazzi, all residents of Verbania, were climbing with crampons, before planning an off-piste ski descent.
The dynamics of the accident
The dramatic event occurred shortly after midday, while the group of five people was following a path already used by other ski mountaineers. The snow mass suddenly broke away, hitting Auguadro, Bonini and Lomazzi in particular, who were dragged for about four hundred meters. The first two in line were only grazed by the avalanche, but were unable to save their friends. The alarm was raised by some witnesses who witnessed the accident and who, together with the survivors, began digging to try to extract the three from the snow.
Rescue operations and conditions of the victims
Immediately after the accident, two helicopters intervened, one from Azienda Zero Piemonte and one from the Guardia di Finanza, together with the technicians of the Alpine Rescue and the financial police of the Sagf. Unfortunately, attempts to resuscitate the victims were in vain, and it is suspected that they died due to the trauma suffered during the dragging. The two survivors, although not seriously injured, were transported to the hospital in a state of shock.
Avalanche risk and recommendations
According to the Arpa bulletin, the risk of avalanches in the area was classified as 'considerable' above 2100 meters. The mayor of Trasquera, Geremia Magliocco, stressed that the area is dangerous and that excursions must be approached with the utmost caution. Experts' recommendations warn that accumulations of wind-blown snow can easily detach, making mountain excursions extremely risky. It is essential that winter sports enthusiasts are aware of the dangers and carefully evaluate the conditions before embarking on an excursion.
The memory of the victims
Matteo Auguadro, one of the victims, was a renowned sailor, known for winning the world title in the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup category in 2022. He leaves behind a wife and two children, and his death has deeply affected the local community. The tragedy has reignited the debate on the safety of winter sports and the importance of following the advice of experts to avoid similar accidents in the future.