A group of twelve travelers who lost their way in the mountains of North Ossetia has had their status clarified. The press service of the North Ossetia Ministry of Emergency Situations reports that the fate of the group is now clearer and they are safe for the moment. The update comes amid ongoing search and rescue operations in the rugged terrain around Khod pass.
According to officials, the tourists remain in good condition and are being assisted by a team of rescuers. The mobility and health of the group have been confirmed, and responders are coordinating efforts to bring them to a secure location as weather and terrain permit. Local authorities emphasize that the group is not in immediate danger, but the challenging landscape requires careful planning and support.
The party originally set out from Dolgoprudny, a town near Moscow, and was bound for the Alagirsky district of Ossetia. The travelers included ten children and two adults, with ages ranging from 14 to 17 years. The reasons for the trek and the exact route have been under review as part of routine incident reporting, with authorities ensuring that all safety protocols were followed and that proper registration was completed during the trip planning process.
Officially, the excursion was registered with the Ministry of Emergency Situations. A media outlet, Life, cited the source Shot in its coverage of the event, noting that the group had embarked on their journey on July 20, accompanied by teachers or guides as part of an organized school-related activity. Local emergency services continue to monitor weather updates and coordinate air and ground resources to maintain a stable rescue operation in the area.
In recent days, the region has seen other weather-related events that underscore the importance of preparedness for outdoor excursions. Just prior to this incident, a separate tour group in the Krasnoyarsk Territory experienced a lightning strike during an outdoor outing, prompting swift responses from local authorities and cautionary advisories for future trips. The comparative incidents highlight ongoing conversations about risk management and safety best practices for travelers exploring remote and mountainous territories.
Authorities urge families and institutions involved in outdoor programs to verify that emergency plans are in place, including clear communication protocols, evacuation routes, and access to medical assistance when needed. The North Ossetia cases illustrate how rapid coordination between rescuers, regional services, and community leaders can significantly influence outcomes in rugged environments. As the Khod pass area remains the focal point of the current operation, responders stress that patience and careful navigation are essential while the group awaits secure transport or a planned return path with trained personnel guiding them out of the terrain.
With the situation evolving, updates will be provided by the ministry as new information becomes available. The overarching goal remains clear: to ensure the safety of all involved while minimizing risk through timely, well-coordinated action and adherence to established safety standards for mountain travel and youth excursions.