Nine hikers died mysteriously on the roller coasters in 1959. Scientists can 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 several theories, from a Yeti attack to secret military experiments. Now, researchers using computer simulations offer a more plausible explanation, National Geography reports. In an article published today in Land and Environment Communications, they provide data to support the idea that a small avalanche could have caused the injuries that led to the deaths. According to the model, the hikers’ fate was caused by a combination of irregular topography, cut on the slope to install the tent and strong snow accumulation caused by strong winds.