Three dead in an avalanche in Piedmont

Five people were swept away by an avalanche on Sunday in Trasquera, in Italian Piedmont, near the Swiss border. Three of them died, according to emergency services. The other two, unhurt but shocked, were airlifted to hospital.

It was the two survivors who alerted the alpine rescue services after the avalanche. It is not yet known whether they were part of the same group of ski hikers who were buried. No information has yet been given on the origin of the victims.

The avalanche was triggered on the eastern slope of Punta Valgrande, a peak at 2,850 meters above sea level.

The region adjoins the Swiss border, about twelve kilometers from Gondo (VS). Authorities have warned of an avalanche risk in the region above 2,100 meters.