At the age of 31, Thomas Libersens and Bruno Balligand, two experienced Belgian mountaineers, died while climbing the Tête de Milon, near the Swiss mountain village of Zinal. That writes ‘La Nouvelle Gazette’. They died in a fall at a height of 3,400 meters while participating in a meeting of Club Alpin Belge from Hainaut.
A 28-year-old French woman also died in the same drama, the police of the canton of Wallis already announced on Tuesday evening. The three victims had set out together from the Arpitettaz mountain refuge, at an altitude of 2,800 meters. The trio was tied together with ropes, forming a group. Together with them there was a second group, consisting of a duo, with the father of Thomas Libersens.
According to Cédric Dupont, Vice-President of Club Alpin Belge, the group consisted of very experienced mountaineers. “Thomas and Bruno trained as mountain rescuers. They are trained to rescue people and so were very aware of the risks,” he told La Nouvelle Gazette.
Father saw his son fall
Thomas’ father was in the second group. “He was behind the first rope and saw his son fall,” continues Cédric Dupont. “I dare not put myself in his place…” The duo that remained behind immediately informed the emergency services. They were quickly on the spot, including by helicopter, but they could only determine the death of the unfortunate trio and evacuate the mountaineers who remained behind. The exact circumstances of the drama are under further investigation by authorities.
The entire alpinist club remains in deep mourning. “We offer our sincere condolences to the parents, families and friends of Thomas, Bruno and Victoria,” said Club Alpin Belge. Thomas Libersens came from Marcinelle, Bruno Balligand lived in Schaerbeek and came from Gembloux.
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