Nine hikers mysteriously perished on roller coasters in 1959. Scientists may now know why | Science

In 1959, nine hikers were found dead with inexplicable injuries in the snow-capped Ural mountains of the former Soviet Union. The event, known as the Dyatlov Pass Incident, spawned many theories, from a yeti attack to secret military experiments. Now, researchers using computer simulations offer a more plausible explanation, National Geographic reports. In an article published today in Earth and environment communications, they provide data to support the idea that a small avalanche could have caused the injuries that led to the deaths. According to the model, the plight of the hikers was caused by a combination of irregular topography, a cut made in the slope to set up their tent, and a heavy accumulation of snow caused by strong winds.