13 Chilean soldiers die in snowstorm, scores still missing
At least 13 Chilean soldiers were frozen to death and scores of others were still missing in a fierce snowstorm in the Andean region while they were on a training exercise, President Ricardo Lagos said Friday.

Thirteen bodies have been found by military patrols, said Lagos, declaring a three-day national mourning.

Earlier on Friday, the military said four soldiers were found alive and 41 others still missing, but noting chances of finding survivors were low due to the bad weather.

Rescuers continued their efforts to look for survivors and bodies amid low temperature and limited visibility.

Commander-in-Chief of the Army Juan Emilio Cheyre said 433 troops, including officers, non-commissioned officers and recruits, were carrying out drills in Los Barros in the Andean zone of the Eighth Region when the storm hit.

Defense Minister Jaime Ravinet said "there was a mistake" in ordering the soldiers to march in the snow even though a major storm had been forecast.

Cheyre blamed the tragedy on army officers who made the order and dismissed a handful of officers.

"There was negligence and imprudence," he told reporters, noting he had ordered a high-level investigation.