Malheur: about 10 people were buried in a ski resort in Switzerland following an avalanche of snow

Local police in the canton of Valais reported that about 11 people were dragged and trapped in an avalanche of snow in a ski resort called Crans-Montana., south of Switzerland, while skiing. Police authorities reported that these persons were missing and are currently in the area of ​​the rescue operation.

"Between 10 and 12 people are trapped. We are in shock"And we hope for a positive result for these people," said the director of the station, Nicolas Féraud, for the local newspaper Le Nouvelliste.

The incident occurred early in the afternoon of Tuesday in the lower part of the runway where the avalanche covered between 300 and 400 meters long.. In addition to police forces, helicopters and rescue teams are collaborating with the emergency plan.

A person who attended the accident explained that four victims had already been saved, although their state of health is unknown.. For its part, we do not know under what conditions are the parents of people who continue to get stuck in the snow.

In a separate statement, the communication service of Crans-Montana explained that there was an avalanche "on the Kandahar track, at a place called" Major Pbadage ""and that" the alarm was given at 2 pm, Valais time, by a patrol car. " Until now, authorities in Crans-Montana still can not confirm if there are any casualties, "the statement said.

The Crans-Montana station had an avalanche risk of 2 on a scale of 1 to 5. Avalanches are a rare ski resort, as they usually occur outside their boundaries. Until now, it is unclear whether the authorities have warned users of the danger of avalanche.. It is also unclear whether this establishment had all the necessary permits to operate in a regulated manner.

The Plaine-Morte, at almost 3000 meters altitude, is the highest ski area of ​​this resort, and probably very busy this week because the children are on winter school holidays.

The completion of the Women's World Cup in Crans-Montana is scheduled for next weekend, although nothing has been reported yet about a possible cancellation of the event.