Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Rescue mission underway as four missing after being buried by Swiss Alps avalanche

Snowslide triggered at 9,200ft near borders with Italy and France

Adam Forrest
Sunday 24 March 2019 09:52 EDT
Comments
Swiss Alps mountain range
Swiss Alps mountain range (iStock//35007)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Four people are missing after being buried in an avalanche high in the Swiss Alps, said police in Switzerland.

The group were hit by the Sunday morning avalanche at an altitude of 9,200ft in the Bovernier area, said Valais canton police on Twitter.

The force said rescue crews were now at the mountain area, close to the borders with France and Italy, searching for the missing people.

No further details were immediately released.

On Saturday, one person was killed and another seriously injured after getting caught in an avalanche in Austria.

Local police said the two people were part of a group in the Rax mountain range, near the town of Reichenau.

The injured person was flown to hospital by helicopter.

Officials said no one else has been reported missing, but as a precaution the avalanche area was searched, with no signs of anyone else being involved.

In January a teenager died in Austria after being caught in an avalanche while skiing near the Alpine village of St Anton am Arlberg.

The schoolboy had been skiing with his parents and brother when the family found themselves in an off-piste area covered in deep snow.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in