A young French mountaineer discovered a treasure trove on “Mont Blanc,” including numerous pieces of jadeite, rubies, and sapphires. Preliminary investigations suggest that these likely belonged to passengers aboard an Indian passenger plane that crashed in the area 47 years ago. The gems, worth approximately NT$9.8 million, were buried in a metal box under the snow and ice, with some pieces still bearing “Made in India” markings.
The 20-something French climber handed over the valuable jewels to local police, leaving officers astonished and praising his honesty. French authorities have contacted India in an attempt to locate the owners or heirs of the jewelry.
According to French law, if the original owner of an item handed in to the police by a mountaineer cannot be found, the discoverer may claim it. However, police stated they believe the young man likely did not notice this regulation when he turned in the jewelry.
(CNA)