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Five climbers dead in French Alps avalanche in Pelvoux Seven climbers dead in French Alps avalanche in Pelvoux
(about 1 hour later)
Five climbers have been killed and two are missing after an avalanche in the Pelvoux district of the French Alps, officials say. Seven climbers have been killed and another seriously injured after an avalanche in the Pelvoux district of the French Alps, officials say.
The avalanche happened at around midday local time on the 4,000m-high (13,000ft) Dome de Neige des Ecrins mountain, according to reports. The avalanche happened at around midday local time (10:00 GMT) on the 4,000m-high (13,000ft) Dome de Neige des Ecrins mountain, according to reports.
Search and rescue teams are looking for survivors. Foreigners are among the dead but nationalities are yet to be revealed.
The Dome de Neige is said to be is popular among climbers due to its relatively easy routes to the summit. The Dome de Neige is said to be popular among climbers because of its relatively easy routes to the summit.
The avalanche hit three groups of climbers, Pierre Besnard, prefect of the Hautes-Alpes region, told local media.
He said they were still checking to determine there were no more victims.
A "wind slab" avalanche - where a wall of snow re-deposited by wind breaks off - was likely to be the cause, said Christian Flagella, a local gendarmerie commander, according to ledauphine.com.