Rescue launched after four climbers fall on Alaska's Denali

A rescue operation is underway on Alaska's Mount McKinley after four climbers fell from a high-altitude pass, officials said Thursday. The climbers' conditions are unknown.

The incident occurred near Denali Pass at approximately 18,200 feet on North America's highest peak. The four individuals were part of a seven-person team. According to the National Park Service, the three other climbers provided aid to their teammates before descending to a camp at 17,000 feet. Rangers received the initial report of the fall overnight.

Park spokesperson Scott Carr said officials have been in contact with the three climbers at the high camp. The National Park Service stated its immediate focus is on the rescue operation and notifying family members.

Improving weather conditions on the mountain are expected to allow helicopters to join the search effort soon. Authorities were waiting for a safe weather window to launch aerial operations. The terrain between the high camp and Denali Pass has been the site of numerous climbing injuries and fatalities in the past.

In a separate incident on Wednesday, two other climbers were evacuated from the mountain by helicopter. The park service did not provide...