Ben Nevis: Climber, 28, dies as 23 people are rescued during an eight-hour operation in Scottish Highlands

A man has died and two others were injured in a climbing accident on Ben Nevis on Wednesday, and 23 people had to be helped off the mountain in “ferocious” conditions during a major eight-hour rescue operation.

The climber fell almost 1,000ft (300m) during the incident. Police said the 28-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene and two other men, aged 29 and 37, sustained minor injuries and were treated in hospital.

The alarm was raised at 2.15pm following reports that a man had fallen on an icy slope on the west side of Britain’s tallest peak.

Several members of an army group went to the man’s aid but got into difficulties, authorities said.

Members of Glencoe and Lochaber mountain rescue teams were involved in the operation on the 4,400ft (1,341m) mountain in the Scottish Highlands.

Search and rescue helicopters from Inverness and Prestwick also assisted in the rescue, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said.

Donald Paterson, deputy team leader of the team, said: “The conditions were classic Alpine conditions – springlike in the glen but above the snow line everything is solid and an ice axe and crampons are essential and knowing how to use them.

“But this chap had fallen conservatively about 984ft (300m). Then others went to help him and they too ended up in trouble. One had a broken ankle and another multiple abrasions.

“As the night wore the conditions got worse. Members of the party could have been better prepared for the conditions. We would like to express our condolences to the deceased’s family and friends.”

Brian Bathurst, deputy team leader of Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team, described the conditions as “ferocious”, adding: “The snow fields are glazed over with ice and are quite lethal. One slip and you will go a long way.

“The conditions [on Tuesday] night were very difficult – as well as the ice there were very strong winds and rain. The helicopters did an amazing job.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “[On Tuesday] night Mountain Rescue Teams dealt with an incident on Ben Nevis when police were made aware of a number of people in difficulty.

“One man, aged 28 was pronounced dead at the scene and 23 people were assisted off the mountain. Two men, aged 29 and 37 were treated in hospital.”

The force said there are “no suspicious circumstances” surrounding the death and a full report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.

The man is the third person to die in the Highlands since Saturday (5 March), according to Lochaber MRT. Since the start of the weekend, teams have been called out 12 times to rescue 26 people.

Writing on Facebook, it said: “Unfortunately three of these shouts resulted in fatalities and we’d like to extend our heartfelt condolences 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 axes are vital skills to have if you’re venturing into the hills.”