Three climbers dead, one rescued after fall near treacherous Denali Pass on Alaska's Mount McKinley

Three climbers on Alaska's Mount McKinley died after falling near a treacherous pass on North America's tallest peak, while a fourth was rescued, a Latvian mountaineering group announced Friday.The four were members of a Latvian expedition, part of a seven-person team traversing a route known for its exposed sections where many injuries and deaths have occurred over the years. The fall happened Wednesday near Denali Pass, about 18,200 feet (5,550 meters) above sea level. McKinley stands at about 20,310 feet (6,190 meters).The rescued climber was brought off the mountain by Denali National Park and Preserve search and rescue personnel late Thursday afternoon, the park service said.The three others in the climbing group tended to those who fell before returning to camp, the park service has said.The group was on the West Buttress route, the most popular path to the summit. It is known for its crevasses, steep ice and exposed ridges.More than 130 people have died on the mountain in the history of the park. Many climbing injuries and deaths have occurred on the traverse between high camp at around 17,200 feet (5,240 meters) and Denali Pass, mainly resulting from unprotected falls. Most deaths along the pass have happened while climbers are descending.Two other climbers who were not with the group that fell were evacuated from the mountain by helicopter Wednesday, according to the park service. Reports of their evacuation were received around midnight.Only about 1,000 to 1,200 climbers attempt to reach the top of Mount McKinley each year, mostly during May and June. The trip usually takes about 17 days. Less than half made it to the summit last year, according to park statistics.Last year, there were two fatalities — both skiers — on the mountain, while rangers evacuated 16 people. As of Thursday, there were 516 climbers on the mountain, said park service spokesperson Scott Carr.Based on inputs by AP