A 21-year-old Irish woman has tragically lost her life in a climbing accident in El Chorro, a renowned mountain climbing area near Malaga in southern Spain. The accident occurred yesterday evening, with emergency services recovering her body after she fell approximately 150 meters (500 feet) into a ravine.
Authorities confirmed that the incident took place near the Caminito del Rey pathway, in an area known as the Swiss Sector, adjacent to the Arabic Staircase hiking trail. The climbers are believed to have taken a wrong route during their descent, which led to the tragic fall.
The woman had been climbing with a male companion, who narrowly escaped death. The man reportedly clung to a bush-covered rock as he fell alongside his friend. He was rescued in a state of shock and is currently assisting the local authorities with their investigation.
A spokesman for the Guardia Civil in Malaga stated, “I can confirm the woman who died was an Irish 21-year-old.” Further details about her identity, including whether she was a resident in Spain or visiting, have not yet been released. The nationality of her climbing companion also remains unknown.
The Department of Foreign Affairs in Ireland has been contacted for assistance and is expected to provide support.
This incident highlights the dangers of climbing in the region, which last month saw the death of a British climber in a separate accident. El Chorro is popular among climbers and hikers worldwide due to its challenging routes and breathtaking scenery.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the climbing community, serving as a stark reminder of the risks associated with the sport.
