Three climbers were killed and a fourth was rescued after they plunged while scaling North America’s tallest peak, officials announced Friday.

Tragedy struck for the group of climbers, part of a seven-person mountaineering expedition from Latvia, on Thursday as they were trekking up Alaska’s Mount McKinley. 

The expedition was traversing the notoriously dangerous West Buttress Route —  known for its exposed sections and deep crevices — when the four fell at Denali Pass at about 18,200 feet.

The surviving member was rescued from the mountain at about 17,200 feet by Denali National Park and Preserve search and rescue personnel late Thursday afternoon and was airlifted to a hospital.

The three remaining members of the climbing group tended to those who fell before returning to High Camp at about 17,000 feet, according to the park service.

High Camp is the last stop before the 20,310-foot summit of Mount McKinley – and the three uninjured climbers reached High Camp hours after “attending to their fallen climbing partners.”

The Alaskan mountain is the highest point in the US. 

There have been numerous climbing injuries and fatalities over the years along the route between High Camp and Denali Pass, according to the park. 

Climbs are urged to carry their own pickets if ranger and guide protection is unavailable. Over 130 people have died on the mountain in the park’s history, including two deaths last year.

With Post wires