The argument in support of this thesis was the condition of Nikolai Thibeaux-Brignolle's skull and signs of pulmonary edema in some of the tourists. In addition, Nikolai was not found to have numerous hematomas and bruises, which are typical of external injuries. Doctors indicated that the injuries could not have been caused by being hit by a heavy object or by an avalanche coming down. They, however, could have been caused by an airborne detonation wave.
The hypothesis is contradicted by the condition of the corpses of Dyatlov, Kolmogorova, Doroshenko, and Krivonishchenko, whose immediate cause of death was hypothermia. Moreover, Dubinina and Zolotaryov had broken ribs, but both their clavicles and limbs were whole.
However, the "uncontrollable force" theory was placed in the official final report, and the investigation of the case was hastily closed in 1959. The case file was then classified for the next 50 years.
