Nine hikers mysteriously perished in the Russian mountains in 1959. Scientists may now know why | Science

In 1959, nine hikers were found dead with unexplained injuries in the snowy Ural Mountains of the former Soviet Union. The event, known as the Dyatlov Pass incident, spawned numerous theories, from a Yeti attack to covert military experiments. Now researchers using computer simulations offer a more plausible explanation, National Geographic reports. In an article published today in Communication Earth and environment, provide their data in support of the idea that a small avalanche could cause the injuries that led to death. According to the model, the walkers’ fate is caused by a combination of irregular topography, a cut made in the slope to install their tent, and heavy snow accumulation caused by strong winds.