Italian trekker succumbs to altitude sickness

Published On: May 11, 2019 07:43 AM NPT By: Santosh Pokharel


Bad weather prevented helicopter rescue

POKHARA, May 11: A 68-year-old Italian trekker has died from high altitude sickness at 6,346 meter Saribung peak. Two guides in the team have fallen sick. 

According to deputy superintendent of police Tul Bahadur Karki, the deceased has been identified as Italian national Marco Roccufrancufco Morelia.

“There were six trekkers from different countries. Along with them were 25 Nepali guides. The Italian died due to high altitude sickness,” Karki said. 

According to Karki, Morelia could have been saved if the weather was good. But because the weather was bad, helicopter rescue was not possible.

“He had fallen sick at 5,800 meters on the mountain. But weather was not favorable. Helicopter could not reach there on time,” he said.

Morelia had fallen sick on Thursday while helicopter had taken off from Jomsom for rescue only on Friday morning. 

“The helicopter reached at quarter to eight, and it was already too late,” Karki said. 
Nepali guides Sukabahadur Rai from Solukhumbu and Khurwa Tamang from Rasuwa have also been taken ill. 

“They are under treatment in hospital,” Karki informed.


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