Mummified bodies discovered at peak of Mexico volcano 'may be climbers missing since 1959'

Climbers found the corpses during an expedition earlier this week Credit: Reuters

Mummified remains believed to belong to two climbers killed in an avalanche more than 50 years ago have been discovered at the top of a volcano in Mexico.

An expedition to the top of Pico de Orizaba - the country's tallest peak - made the discovery when the team spotted a hand sticking up out of the snow.

Local authorities then began excavations at the site, and found two corpses which had been mummified by the freezing temperatures.

Official identification has get to take place, but it is thought the remains may be of two climbers last seen headed towards the summit in 1959, before a major avalanche swept down the mountain.

Forensic tests will be carried out on the bodies once they have been moved down from the mountain Credit: Reuters
An expedition spotted one of the bodies' hands sticking up out of the snow Credit: Reuters
A third climber may be hidden under the snow Credit: Reuters

The bodies were found a short distance from the volcano's 18,400ft (5,610 metre) peak, in an area known as Filo del Chichimeco.

Authorities believe the body of a third climber who disappeared at around the same time may also be hidden under the snow, but efforts have had to be suspended due to toxic gasses released by digging.

Extreme temperatures and the fragile state of the two bodies have hampered efforts to bring the men back down the mountain so far.

The bodies are believed to belong to two climbers killed in an avalanche in 1959 Credit: Reuters
Pico de Orizaba is Mexico's tallest peak Credit: Reuters

Experts have now been called in to advise on the best method for moving the corpses.

Once the men have been moved, tests will be carried out to determine their identity.