A 28-year-old man fell to his death from Ben Nevis while two others have been rushed to hospital following a major rescue operation.
Around 2.15pm on Tuesday two coastguard helicopters and a mountain rescue crew were called to the scene in the Scottish Highlands, having been made aware of concerns for a number of people in difficulty.
A major rescue operation was launched with mountain rescue teams and police officers scrambling to assist 17 people.
It was understood the 17 people were not all from the same group.
The 28-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene as two other men, aged 29 and 27, were taken to hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 2.15pm on Tuesday, 8 March, police were made aware of concerns for a number of people in difficulty on Ben Nevis.
“Emergency services and mountain rescue colleagues attended to assist 17 people off the mountain.
“We can confirm that a 28-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene.
"A further two men, aged 29 and 27, were treated for minor injuries in hospital.
“There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death and a full report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”
A spokesperson for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said: "At approx. 2.30pm today and at the request of Police Scotland, HM Coastguard sent the search and rescue helicopter from Inverness to assist Police Scotland following a report of an incident involving a casualty requiring medical attention at Ben Nevis, Scotland.
While on scene, the Inverness helicopter requested further support, leading to the coastguard helicopter from Prestwick also being sent to assist along with Mountain Rescue Teams who are helping in this ongoing multi-agency response."
Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team said described conditions on Ben Nevis at the beginning of the week as 'alpine'.
A post from the group on Facebook said: “The past five days has been especially busy for the team.
“Since Saturday we’ve had 12 callouts and recovered 26 casualties.
“Unfortunately three of these shouts resulted in fatalities and we’d like to extend our heartfelt condolence to the friends and family of those involved at this difficult time.
“It would be remiss if we didn’t stress just how important it is to be adequately prepared for winter in the hills.
“Having the ability to competently navigate with map and compass as well as having and being able to use crampons and axe are vital skills to have if you’re venturing into the hills.”
