‘Stupidity’: Tasmanian premier blasts hikers rescued from Mt Wellington after severe weather warnings

Tasmanian police, Bureau of Meteorology and SES have been issuing warnings about the severe weather event since last week, Insp Darren Latham says

• Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates
• Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast

Tasmanian premier Jeremy Rockcliff said it was ridiculous" and stupid" that a group of hikers had to be rescued from kunanyi/Mt Wellington on Monday afternoon amid a temperature that felt like -21.6C

A group of 13 hikers stuck on a hard-to-reach section of the mountain called emergency services at 4.15pm on Monday. The group set out on a day hike, having brought mobile phones but minimal food and water, and no equipment to spend the night in case of an emergency.

Sign up for Guardian Australia's breaking news email