In February 1959, nine Soviet hikers died in the Ural Mountains. Their tent was cut open from the inside, bodies were scattered, some had unexplained injuries, and some were missing their tongues and eyes.
Timeline
In late January 1959, a nine-member hiking team led by Igor Dyatlov entered the Ural Mountains, aiming to climb Mount Otorten (Kholat Syakhl, meaning "Dead Mountain" in the local Mansi language).
On the evening of February 1, they set up camp on the mountainside. All contact with the outside world was lost thereafter.
On February 26, searchers found their tent — cut open from the inside, with all belongings intact and all shoes left inside.
Body Discovery
- February 26: Two bodies found near the tent, wearing only underwear, barefoot, dead from hypothermia.
- March 5: Three more bodies found, including team leader Dyatlov.
- May 4: The remaining four bodies found in a ravine, with abnormal causes of death.
Abnormal Injuries
Forensic reports showed:
1. Two victims had severely fractured skulls, but no corresponding external trauma.
2. One victim had a crushed chest.
3. One female victim was missing her tongue, and one male victim was missing his eyes.
4. Some victims' clothing tested positive for high-level radiation.
5. The last photo in one victim's camera showed abnormal exposure.
Official Conclusion
In May 1959, Soviet officials announced: "All died due to an irresistible natural force." The case was immediately sealed.
Main Hypotheses
- Avalanche theory: Supported by a 2019 study, but criticized as unable to explain the abnormal injuries.
- Military experiment theory: There may have been military tests near the area.
- Infrasound theory: Strong winds generating infrasound caused panic.
- Mansi people theory: Local indigenous Mansi legends or conflicts.
- Supernatural theory: Yetis, unknown creatures, etc.
2019-2021 Developments
In 2019, Russia reopened the investigation. In 2020, the official conclusion was "avalanche," but families and researchers generally rejected it.
In 2021, Swiss scientists published a paper proposing a "slab avalanche" model that could explain some phenomena, but still cannot explain the radiation and missing organs.
Sources: Soviet investigation archives (partially declassified), forensic reports, 2019-2021 Russian reopened investigation, Swiss 2021 paper.