Huge dump of snow traps group of eight hikers including four young kids near Mount Hotham

Huge dump of snow traps group of eight hikers including four young kids near Mount Hotham – and the conditions are so bad rescuers can’t reach them without a bulldozer

A group of eight hikers – including four children – have been trapped near Mount Hotham after a huge dumping of snow. 

Emergency crews are working to free the group who spent Monday night trapped inside vehicles on the Blue Rag Range Track west of the Dargo High Plains Road.

Rescue crews set out to find the group, which includes children aged between six and 12, early Tuesday morning. 

Senior Sergeant Incoll told The Age they may have to get a bulldozer or other equipment in to clear the snow.

He said that while conditions were bad, the group were safe and warm inside the vehicles. 

‘The weather can change in the alpine environment at any time of the year, but at this time of the year the snow can be extreme and last a few days.

‘People need to be aware of the conditions and undertake a risk assessment of whether they need to change their plans.’

The incident comes a day after a group of school children and two teachers had to be rescued from from Mount Bogong.

The school group from Beechworth Secondary College were in the final stages of their five-day hike when they were caught in the thick snow. 

More to come 



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