A mountain guide has died during an avalanche in the Ecuadorian Andes.

Tourist guide Santiago Naveda, 38, was killed during the avalanche, while a 21-year-old companion was injured.

The tragic accident took place at the Chimborazo stratovolcano in the Cordillera Occidental range of the Andes in the Ecuadorian province of Chimborazo on Wednesday, according to the Ministry of the Environment, Water and Ecological Transition.

The police said a group of mountaineers was ascending towards the summit of the snow-capped peak at an altitude of around 5,100 metres (16,732 feet) when the two men were swept away by an avalanche and ended up in a ravine.

Police chief Fabian Perez said an uninjured group member notified park rangers, who, in turn, informed the emergency services.

Perez added: “The two climbers fell into a ravine. It is known that they were trying to reach the summit and were tied to one another, but as the snow was unstable, they were dragged and fell.”

Firefighters and Special Operations Group (GOE) representatives were sent to the scene and Chimborazo Fauna Production Reserve rangers also assisted in the emergency rescue.

The Ministry of the Environment, Water and Ecological Transition said an investigation is being carried out by the National Police and Public Prosecutor’s Office.

Without providing any details about the deceased climber’s injuries, the authorities stated that he was “attended by first responders in a timely manner”.

The 21-year-old survivor reportedly suffered a fractured right ankle and contusions all over his body. He is recovering at a health centre in the town of Riobamba.

In October, three climbers died during an avalanche on the same volcano and three were injured.

The investigation into Naveda’s death is ongoing.