Tragedy in China: 21 runners freeze to death during 100-kilometer race

At least 21 people froze to death during a mountain run in a tourist area in North China Province Gansulocal press reported on Sunday.

“Bad weather hit the region during the race”, which took place in the Yellow River Stone Forest Park near Baiyin town, Gansu province, according to the agency. Xinhua, who clarified that More than 700 rescuers mobilized to search for rescuers.

The race, in which 172 participants had to cover more than 100 kilometers of land crossing in a mountainous area, it was interrupted after some of them showed signs of hypothermia and physical problems following the sudden drop in temperatures in a high altitude area.

Affected by hail, freezing rain and gales around 1:00 p.m. local time (05:00 GMT) yesterday, some of them were missing. Confirmed rescue teams the death of up to 21 runners around 08:00 local time (00:00 GMT) this Sunday.

The authorities have deployed a team of more than 1,200 soldiers to try to find another runner still missing, But a further drop in temperatures in the region overnight made tasks difficult.

The last part proposed by the local government indicates that 151 of the participants are safe, although eight of them suffered minor injuries for which they received medical treatment and are stable.

The main problem, according to the rescuers, was that temperatures have dropped to near zero degrees centigrade while runners wore thin clothes that did not protect them from the cold

El alkalde of Baiyin, Zhang Xuchen, held a press conference with the intention of apologizing and paying tribute to the victims after participating in the organization of the sporting event: “We express our condolences to the families of the victims and injured.”», He lamented, at the same time that he showed« a deep feeling of guilt and remorse ».

The Yellow River Stone Forest is a natural site famous for its spectacular 4 billion year old rock formations, which serves as a frame for movies or TV shows in China.

In the past this province has been plagued by deadly earthquakes, floods and landslides.

KEEP READING