Three skiers have died after a horror avalanche hit their group of five Italy’s northern Piedmont region today, according to rescuers on the mountain.
At around midday, the avalanche hit on the eastern face of Punta Valgrande, a summit on the border between Italy and Switzerland. Three were dragged downhill for several hundred metres, suffering fatal injuries, while two survived and were transported to hospital by helicopter, reports the Mirror.
An alert had been issued in the area above 6,900ft (2,100 metres), warning of “considerable danger of avalanches”. Witnesses claimed they saw the avalanche violently smashing down the mountain, sweeping people off the slope.
The Alpine rescue team was called to the scene and tended to the survivors. Their current condition is unknown, although they are reportedly being treated for injuries sustained from the avalanche.
The area of the Lepontine Alps where the avalanche occurred has a third-degree avalanche risk level, indicating a high risk of winter avalanches. Mountain rescuers claimed challenging weather conditions in the region might have contributed to the tragedy. Authorities are urging caution and advising against hazardous areas in the mountains.
A devastating avalanche at a popular ski resort killed a rising judo star last month, despite efforts to save him. Emre Yazgan was enjoying the Palandoken Ski Center in Erzurum, North-East Turkey when the natural disaster suddenly struck at the popular resort.
Footage from local news reports showed the moment rescue teams desperately searched the area for survivors after the avalanche hit. Local governor Mustafa Ciftci said: “Our athlete Emre Yazgan could not be saved despite all interventions. My condolences to our nation.” Popular Emre was part of Turkey’s National Judo Team.
The ski season at Palandöken Ski Resort in Erzurum, known as one of Turkey’s premier winter sports destinations, began two weeks ago. Recent snowfall meant depths were recorded of 82 cms (32 inches). Conditions were described as “ideal” before the tragedy which claimed Emre’s life.
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