This article is from the source 'independent' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/tignes-avalanche-latest-france-ski-resort-alps-bury-people-a7615561.html
The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 1 | Version 2 |
---|---|
Tignes avalanche: 'No fatalities' after snow hits popular French resort slope | |
(35 minutes later) | |
French authorities have said there were no fatalities after an avalanche hit a ski slope in the popular French resort of Tignes. | |
Local emergency services initially said several skiers had been buried in the avalanche. | |
The large search and rescue operation is now over, authorities said. | |
"Several skiers have been shaken up and taken care of by resort personnel," a statement from the resort said. "Emergency staff were deployed immediately. After the search operations, there are no victims to report. | |
Rescue conditions were reported to be difficult because of fog which made it impossible for emergency workers from outside the resort to get there by helicopter. | |
A police spokesman said several people were buried when the avalanche came down on a busy ski slope, local newspaper Le Dauphine reported. | A police spokesman said several people were buried when the avalanche came down on a busy ski slope, local newspaper Le Dauphine reported. |
The snow crossed the popular Carline piste, a medium blue ski slope, and police issued an alert around 10.06am. | |
The avalanche risk at Tignes was rated four out of five because of strong winds. | |
The vast Tignes ski area was entirely closed and skiers were evacuated by resort staff and police. | |
TV footage of the resort showed bad weather conditions and poor visibility on the slopes. | |
Four snowboarders were killed in an avalanche at the same resort last month. | |
Since the beginning of the season, there have been 14 avalanches in the Alps and the Pyrenees, which have killed at least seven. | |
Last season, there were 45 incidents, which killed 21 people. | Last season, there were 45 incidents, which killed 21 people. |
In January, 29 people died when an avalanche buried the small Hotel Rigopiano in Italy. | In January, 29 people died when an avalanche buried the small Hotel Rigopiano in Italy. |