New Zealand: ‘Exceptionally fortunate’ climber survives 600m Mount Taranaki fall with solely minor accidents

A climber is “exceptionally lucky to be alive” after falling 600m (1,969ft) off the aspect of a mountain and touchdown with solely minor accidents.

Police have been alerted to a fall on Mount Taranaki, on the west coast of New Zealand’s North Island, on Saturday, whereas a gaggle was close to the summit.

Officers say the climber was re-kitted and helped down the mountain to reunite with the remainder of the group when he was discovered.

The distance of his fall is equal to a few of the world’s tallest buildings and roughly double the peak of the Eiffel Tower and the Shard in London.

It is believed warmer-than-usual climate had softened the ice and helped to interrupt the climber’s fall.

“He is exceptionally lucky to be alive. These are challenging areas and when things go wrong there are often serious consequences,” police mentioned.

“Climbing on Mount Taranaki requires experience, knowledge and properly fitted and correct equipment.

“Failing to be correctly geared up might end in a really completely different ending to Saturday’s story.”

According to police, the climber fell at round noon and disappeared from the remainder of the group’s view.

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One of the workforce then climbed right down to attempt to find him, adopted by a member from Taranaki Alpine Rescue, who occurred to be within the space on the time.

The pair discovered the person with minor accidents, together with his ice axe and crampons lacking.

This a part of the mountain is especially harmful, police mentioned, with two climbers falling to their dying two years in the past.