Hikers Stumble Upon Frozen Mummies on Mexico’s Highest Peak
A Mexican search team found a frozen human body while climbing the mountain. They stumbled upon a frozen skull and fell onto the mummy on the country’s highest peak.
The mummy was discovered at an altitude of 310 meters below the summit of Pico de Orizaba on Monday (March 3). The peak of Pico de Orizaba stands at 5,610 meters above sea level.
Two Mummies Found in the Same Area
After the initial discovery, 12 local residents climbed to the summit and found a second horrifying mummy. The second mummy was discovered at approximately 300 meters in altitude, also frozen – according to Juan Navarro, mayor of the town of Chalchicomula de Sesma in the state of Puebla, near the mountain.
Local officials suspect that the two mummies are two of three Mexican climbers who went missing after an avalanche 55 years ago on the mountain.
However, relatives living in Spain and Germany continue to hope that local authorities will verify the findings, hoping to find clues and possibly recover the remains so that their long-lost family members can finally rest in peace.
Clothing Remains as Evidence
Remnants of clothing still cling to the mummies. Mayor Navarro stated: “The clothing fragments found could be evidence to verify their identities.”
The identities of the two mummies will be confirmed after the frozen remains are brought down from the mountain.
Challenges in Recovering the Mummies
Rescue workers are currently facing difficulties in transporting the two mummies down the mountain due to poor weather conditions.
The mayor added: “We cannot carry out the rescue operation because there is a lot of fog. Only two climbers can reach the location where the mummies are buried.”
Rescue efforts may continue today with the assistance of helicopters.
Identity Verification Process
Parts of the mummies will be taken to the prosecutor’s office in the state of Puebla for DNA testing and identification verification.
Primary Sources:
Statement from Mayor Juan Navarro, Chalchicomula de Sesma, Puebla
Reports on the disappearance of three Mexican climbers 55 years ago
Puebla State Prosecutor’s Office – DNA verification process