A tragic avalanche claimed the lives of three individuals, including two British tourists, at a well-known ski resort in France on Friday morning (February 13).
The avalanche occurred at the Val d’Isere resort in the Alps at 11:30 am local time. The resort’s tourist board has reported that, in addition to the two British tourists, a French national also lost their life in the incident.
According to Albertville’s public prosecutor, Benoit Bachelet, a third Briton sustained minor injuries during the avalanche.
The two British individuals who perished were part of a group of four and were accompanied by a professional ski instructor when the avalanche struck.
It is believed that the French victim was skiing alone at the time of the accident.
Despite the quick response of emergency services, who arrived at the scene once the severity of the situation was understood, they were unable to rescue the skiers involved in the incident.
Authorities have confirmed that the victims were equipped with appropriate safety gear for avalanche situations, and the resort noted that they all possessed transceivers, shovels, and probes while on the slopes.
Further details are expected as the investigation continues.