GLOBAL - An investigation is underway in Chile after five foreign tourists died in a severe blizzard in the Torres del Paine National Park, with a survivor claiming staff at a campsite had advised them it was safe to proceed despite concerns over the weather forecast. The incident, which occurred on Monday, 17 November 2025, has placed a sharp focus on safety standards and the duty of care owed to trekkers in one of the world's most popular adventure destinations.

The victims were identified as Victoria Bond, 40, a public relations consultant from Cornwall, UK; Mexican nationals Cristina Calvillo Tovar and Julian Garcia Pimentel; and German citizens Nadine Lichey and Andreas Von Pein. They were part of a larger group trekking the remote ‘O’ Circuit when they were caught in extreme weather conditions, including hurricane-force winds of up to 193km/h (120mph) and heavy snowfall, leading to their deaths from hypothermia.

Tom Player, a London-based composer and friend of Ms. Bond who survived the ordeal, stated that hikers had shown a screenshot of the adverse weather forecast to staff at a camp. “We showed a screenshot of the weather forecast to staff at the camp and they said it was normal. We took that advice onboard,” Player told The Guardian on Friday, 21 November 2025. He questioned why the trail was open to the public when conditions were reportedly too risky even for mountain rescue teams.

The tragedy unfolded in the challenging Los Perros to John Gardner Pass sector of the park, a high-altitude section known for its difficulty even in good conditions. A major search and rescue operation involving approximately 30 park rangers, military personnel, and police was launched, but was hampered by the severe weather which prevented the use of helicopters. Four other hikers were rescued alive.

Official Investigation and Regional Response

Chilean authorities have opened an investigation into the incident. The regional prosecutor for Magallanes, Cristián Crisosto, is leading the inquiry, which will include taking statements from park staff, visitors, and employees of Vertice, the company operating the Los Perros campground. Chile's National Forestry Corporation (CONAF), the body that administers the park, has launched an internal probe to determine any potential liability and has temporarily closed the affected section of the circuit.

Chilean President Gabriel Boric offered his condolences to the victims' families and praised the rescue teams for their tireless work in extreme conditions. Consular officials from the UK, Mexico, and Germany are coordinating with local authorities regarding the repatriation of the victims.

Implications for Adventure Tourism in Kenya

While there is no indication of Kenyan citizens being involved, the incident in Chile offers critical lessons for Kenya's own robust adventure tourism sector. Kenya, which attracted nearly 2 million visitors in 2023, is a premier destination for activities like mountaineering on Mount Kenya and trekking in the Aberdares. The safety of these tourists is paramount to the industry's reputation and continued growth, which is projected to surpass pre-pandemic levels.

The Torres del Paine tragedy underscores the vital importance of stringent safety protocols, accurate weather forecasting, and clear communication between operators and tourists. In Kenya, the Tourism Regulatory Authority has been developing standards for adventure sports. This incident highlights the need for these regulations to be rigorously enforced, ensuring that all tour operators, guides, and park authorities are equipped to make critical safety decisions, including postponing or cancelling excursions in the face of dangerous conditions.

Experts stress that comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential for anyone undertaking adventure activities in remote areas, a point equally relevant for tourists in Kenya's national parks. The global adventure tourism market, valued at over USD 415 billion in 2024, relies heavily on a perception of safety and professionalism. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder that underestimating nature's power and failing to adhere to the highest safety standards can have devastating consequences, a lesson that resonates from Patagonia to the peaks of East Africa.