Tragic news from the Swiss Alps, four skiers are confirmed dead after an unexpected snow storm whipped up Sunday and stranded them overnight on the Swiss Alps. Five more remain hospitalized in critical condition after the ordeal along a route called the Serpentine in the Pigne d’Arolla area of the Swiss Alps.
Time reports a group of 14 from France, Germany and Italy were caught off-guard by high winds and were forced to spend the night unprotected outdoors in the remote mountain region unable to reach shelter.
They were reported missing by a rest-stop manager who called authorities at dawn Monday. A massive rescue operation was deployed including seven helicopters.
Many of the rescued were suffering from hypothermia and were rushed to the hospital. Three later died in hospital and one of the skiers appeared to have been killed in a fall on the mountain.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the deceased and injured.
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