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Seven climbers dead in French Alps avalanche in Pelvoux Seven climbers dead in French Alps avalanche in Pelvoux
(35 minutes later)
Seven climbers have been killed and another seriously injured after an avalanche in the Pelvoux district of the French Alps, officials say. Seven climbers have been killed and another seriously injured in avalanche in the Pelvoux district of the French Alps, officials say.
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.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.
Foreigners are among the dead but nationalities are yet to be revealed.Foreigners are among the dead but nationalities are yet to be revealed.
The Dome de Neige is said to be popular among climbers because of 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. The avalanche hit three groups of climbers, officials told local media. Rescuers are still checking to determine there were any more victims.
He said they were still checking to determine there were no more victims. Christian Flagella, a local police commander, said conditions were currently "winter-like" in the area.
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.