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“Two skiers who were initially pulled out alive died shortly after being rescued, police said. The number of dead is expected to rise.”
A group of nine skiers including a guide were struck by an avalanche around 11am local time while skiing off-piste at the ski resort of Tignes in the French Alps. 4 of the skiers have been prounounced dead, while the other 5 are still buried.
The BBC is reporting the avalanche was 1,300ft wide and happened at an elevation of 6889ft. The avalanche appeared to have been triggered by a group of skiers higher up, the ski station said in a statement. The avalanche struck at a particularly busy time for the resort during half-term holidays.
Rescuers have deployed two helicopters as well as avalanche dogs to help search for the remaining skiers.
[images fromThe BBC & Radio Val d’Isère]
