Two British nationals are among three skiers who have lost their lives in a devastating avalanche in the French Alps. The incident occurred in Val d'Isère, a popular ski resort in south-eastern France, highlighting the severe dangers of off-piste skiing during unstable weather conditions.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The two Britons were part of a group of five individuals, accompanied by a ski instructor, who were engaged in off-piste skiing. A French national, skiing alone, was also killed in the avalanche. The ski instructor, who managed to avoid injury, has undergone blood and drug tests, which returned negative results, according to Albertville prosecutor Benoit Bachelet. Additionally, another British person sustained minor injuries in the event.
Investigation and Weather Warnings
A manslaughter investigation has been initiated by the Albertville public prosecutor's office and will be conducted by the CRS Alpes mountain rescue police. This probe aims to determine the circumstances leading to the fatalities. Prior to the incident, France's national weather service had issued a red alert for avalanche risk in the area on Thursday, underscoring the hazardous conditions.
Broader Alpine Avalanche Risks
The tragedy in the French Alps follows a series of deadly avalanches in the Italian Alps, where 11 people lost their lives over seven days due to exceptionally unstable snow conditions. Among the victims was a 70-year-old hiker found dead in the Veneto region, which is hosting the upcoming Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. Italy's rescue service has warned that avalanche risks are prevalent across most of the Alpine range, from west to east.
Experts explain that fresh snow accumulating on older, unstable layers can create precarious situations where even the movement of a single skier can trigger an avalanche. This statement, issued by the rescue service to Reuters, emphasises the critical need for caution and adherence to safety advisories in mountainous regions.
