Buryatia Officials Oversee Investigation Into Fatal Mountain Trek

Prosecutors in the Republic of Buryatia are closely watching the criminal investigation into the deaths of three tourists who froze to death while descending Mount Munkh-Sardyk. The tragedy unfolded last week when a group of hikers set out on April 18 and were due back on April 22. Instead, in the early hours of April 21, several members made it to a road, left a note at a local café reporting the deaths, then returned to the scene. The three victims died of hypothermia during the descent. Authorities have opened a criminal case for providing unsafe services. On Wednesday, law enforcement officials told RIA Novosti that three people connected to the trek have been detained: the director of the tour company, her deputy, and a guide-instructor who were all part of the group. Senior assistant prosecutor Olga Pecherskaya confirmed that her office is monitoring the investigation's progress and results. The incident has raised questions about safety protocols for high-altitude excursions in the region, where weather conditions can shift suddenly. As the probe continues, families of the victims are demanding answers, and local tourism operators are bracing for increased scrutiny.