16 Sep 2015

French avalanche kills seven climbers

2:54 pm on 16 September 2015

Seven climbers have been killed and another seriously injured in avalanche in the Pelvoux region of the French Alps, officials say.

Hearses carrying the bodies of avalanche victims leave the police station in Villar-Saint-Pancrace.

Hearses carrying the bodies of avalanche victims leave the police station in Villar-Saint-Pancrace. Photo: AFP

The avalanche happened about midday local time on the 4000m-high Dome de Neige des Ecrins mountain, according to reports.

Foreigners are among the dead but nationalities are yet to be revealed.

The Dome de Neige is said to be popular among climbers because of its relatively easy routes to the summit.

The avalanche hit three groups of climbers, officials told local media. Rescuers are still checking to determine there were any more victims.

Christian Flagella, a local police commander, said conditions were currently "winter-like" in the area.

- BBC