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Three die in Highlands avalanche Three die in Highlands avalanche
(20 minutes later)
Police in the Highlands have confirmed that three climbers have died following an avalanche on a mountain.Police in the Highlands have confirmed that three climbers have died following an avalanche on a mountain.
The incident was sparked at about 1200 GMT when helicopters were scrambled to Buchaille Etive Mor in Glencoe.The incident was sparked at about 1200 GMT when helicopters were scrambled to Buchaille Etive Mor in Glencoe.
Northern Constabulary said that in all, nine people - who were in at least two separate parties - were caught up in the avalanche.Northern Constabulary said that in all, nine people - who were in at least two separate parties - were caught up in the avalanche.
The three climbers lost their fight for life after being taken to hospital in Fort William.The three climbers lost their fight for life after being taken to hospital in Fort William.
Insp Pamela Ross from Northern Constabulary confirmed at about 1500 GMT on Saturday that casualties had been airlifted to Belford Hospital.Insp Pamela Ross from Northern Constabulary confirmed at about 1500 GMT on Saturday that casualties had been airlifted to Belford Hospital.
They included three who were seriously hurt and one who had suffered a shoulder injury. Five people were uninjured. AVALANCHE FACTS Nine climbers involvedTwo separate climbing partiesFive uninjuredOne suffers shoulder injuryThree die They included three who were seriously hurt and one who had suffered a shoulder injury. Five people were uninjured.
Northern Constabulary confirmed at about 1700 GMT that three of the casualties being treated in hospital had died.Northern Constabulary confirmed at about 1700 GMT that three of the casualties being treated in hospital had died.
First on the scene of the incident was the RAF rescue helicopter, Rescue 137, which had been diverted from an exercise in the area.First on the scene of the incident was the RAF rescue helicopter, Rescue 137, which had been diverted from an exercise in the area.
Blizzard conditions
A second helicopter, Rescue 177, was scrambled from the Royal Navy station at HMS Gannet near Prestwick.A second helicopter, Rescue 177, was scrambled from the Royal Navy station at HMS Gannet near Prestwick.
But one helicopter had to be grounded because of blizzard conditions.But one helicopter had to be grounded because of blizzard conditions.
The Avalanche Information Service website warned that the avalanche hazard for Saturday would be "considerable".The Avalanche Information Service website warned that the avalanche hazard for Saturday would be "considerable".
It stated: "Snowpack stability will remain poor on all steep North-North-West through North to East aspects above 850m where avalanches are likely.It stated: "Snowpack stability will remain poor on all steep North-North-West through North to East aspects above 850m where avalanches are likely.
"Weak cornices will continue to grow over these locations and be prone to collapse.""Weak cornices will continue to grow over these locations and be prone to collapse."