By Tim Binnall
Following the bombshell announcement that Russian authorities plan to conduct a new investigation into the infamous Dyatlov Pass incident, additional details about the inquiry have since emerged. This past Friday marked the 60th anniversary of the still-unsolved event in which nine hikers died under unusual circumstances in the Ural Mountains. Given that the case is now six decades old and seemingly little more than a curious historical footnote today, researchers were stunned last week when the macabre milestone was marked by news that prosecutors will be taking a fresh look at the puzzling episode.
However, those hoping that the probe might wind up uncovering some kind of conspiracy surrounding the event may find themselves dismayed by comments made by a Russian official at a press conference on Monday. Andrei Kuryakov, who heads the office tasked with reinvestigating the Dyatlov Pass incident, told reporters that "it is absolutely out of question" that the event was "engineered by the authorities." Whether or not that includes the possibility that the hikers fell victim to a clandestine Soviet weapons test is uncertain at this time.
Meanwhile, it would appear that there will be no consideration given to some of the more colorful scenarios which have been suggested over the years, such as aliens or a Yeti were to blame for the incident, as Kuryakov also declared that "all fantastic theories have been dropped." While this is no doubt disappointing to UFO enthusiasts and Bigfoot fans, it's not altogether surprising that these possibilities are being passed over by investigators. Statements from another Russian official concerning the probe indicate that it will largely focus on a natural explanation for the death of the hikers as he opined that the incident was caused by "either an avalanche, a snow slab or a hurricane."
Be that as it may, the new investigation still ought to yield some fresh clues about the case as the investigators stressed that they will be looking at the incident with the help of modern technology and forensics which will likely answer "many questions." As to when we can expect to find out those answers, Kuryakov said that they aim to wrap up the inquiry by August. What's your take on the new Dyatlov Pass investigation? Will it ultimately solve the mystery or is the probe merely a public relations effort to squelch the story once and for all? Let us know your thoughts at the C2C Facebook page.