Three mountain climbers lost their lives yesterday when two climbing parties suffered accidents on the slopes of the Citlaltépetl volcano, or Pico de Orizaba.

In one case, two climbers were reported missing after beginning their ascent early in the morning on the southern slopes of the dormant volcano.

Civil Protection later reported that the climbers were located at the 5,000-meter level but one, a 63-year-old man, had died at the scene. His fellow climber, 23, was transported to an IMSS hospital in Orizaba.

Meanwhile, on the northern slope of the volcano, 15 climbers from Mexico City called for help after four became lost.

Authorities subsequently reported that the climbers had been located but two were found dead.

Another remained trapped in a nearby forest where weather conditions impeded rescue operations, which were scheduled to resume today.

Source: Milenio (sp)