Chile severe snowstorm claims the lives of 5 tourists. Image credit: Stock image
(The Post News) – A violent storm took place on Tuesday, 18th November 2025, in Chile at the Torres del Paine National Park. It has claimed the lives of five tourists. Authorities confirmed to have discovered the four which had previously been reported missing.
Jose Antonio Ruiz, the Presidential delegate for Chile’s Southern Magallanes region, stated that negotiations have commenced. They are in talks with the representatives from the victim’s home countries. The subject is the deportation of their bodies. Five tourists have lost their lives. The victims include two Mexicans, two Germans, and one British. The weather condition at that time made it a challenging process in extracting the bodies from where they were.
President Gabriel Boric expressed his deepest condolences on social media. He informed the families of all victims that they have their full support and cooperation in this difficult time.
Presidential Delegate for Esperanza Province, Guillermo Ruiz, reported about the tourists. They got lost near the Los Perros Camp in the National Park. This is an area that can only be reached after a four-to-five-hour hike from the nearest point accessible by vehicle.
Chile’s National Forestry Corporation (CONAF) confirmed to have ordered an internal investigation to determine any possible liabilities. CONAF prioritized relocating people who were in the “O” circuit hiking route. The circuit remains closed for investigations and CONAF explained that first respondents will be liable for deployment to the incident. 51 personnel members are reported to have been present on site on Sunday, being Chile’s presidential election day.
The shifting weather conditions and alerts in the Paine Massif circuit triggered emergency protocol. This led personnel being deployed to the affected area. Torres del Paine is a large and complex park. CONAF and concession companies co-ordinated protection measures. These companies run shelters and camps and maintain permanent staff in all sectors.
CONAF said they intend to work with park concessionaires. They plan to reassess safety and communication procedures in the parks circuit. Purposefully for improving safety measures.
A snowstorm with whiteout conditions and winds exceeded 193km/h (120 mph). This is similar to a 3rd category hurricane. It attacked the area. Torres del Paine National Park covers an estimated 1,810 square km (700 square miles). It attracts thousands of visitors annually.
Public Figure Amongst The Deceased
Victoria Bond (40), a British Public Relations consultant from Cornwall is part of the five deceased tourists. Bond was reported to have been out hiking when she got trapped in the snowstorm by the organization.
Visit Isles of Scilly Chairman, Andre Sells stated that the organization Bond worked for is completely devastated by her demise. He continued to say that Bond was head of the Public Relations department for six years. She remained in this role until her last day. She just innocently went on a “trip of a lifetime” with her friends in Chile and Argentina.
Sells described her as being a joy to have worked alongside with and as an enormous loss to the community. She worked tirelessly to promote the islands, which are 28 miles off the Cornish coast. She was an important part of the team.
Executive Vice-chairman of Visit Isles of Scilly expressed condolences and too said the organization is heartbroken. He described her as an individual who brought life, energy and enthusiasm to every project presented.
Adrian Jones, a colleague to Bond, worked beside her in promoting the Roseland Festival in Cornwall. He paid tribute to her. He described her as lovable, witty, and creative. Jones added that her departure has left a huge hole in Portscatho. She lived in Newquay but spent most times in Poscatho.
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