ROME — Two hikers on snowshoes have been killed by an avalanche within the Italian Alps close to Switzerland, a rescue service mentioned Sunday.
The avalanche occurred round midday on Sunday on the 2,200-meter (7,200-foot) stage within the Formazza valley within the Piedmont area, mentioned Federico Catania, a spokesperson for Italy’s alpine rescue service.
The power of the avalanche pushed one of many victims right into a lake close to the underside of the slope, whereas the opposite physique was discovered within the mass of snow, he mentioned.
Regardless of robust winds, a helicopter was capable of decrease a rescue staff aided by a canine unit.
The identities of the 2 victims weren’t instantly launched.
A search operation was launched after guards at a close-by dike reported seeing an avalanche strike two hikers, Catania mentioned. An preliminary search by foot failed to seek out the hikers, prompting using the helicopter.
A firefighters helicopter carrying divers was dispatched to recuperate the physique from the lake, rescuers mentioned.