The bodies of two hikers have been discovered in the Italian Alps near Switzerland following an avalanche.
The impact of the avalanche occurred on Sunday at approximately 12pm, resulting in one of the victims being pushed into a lake near the base of the slope. The second body was found buried in the snow, according to Italy’s alpine rescue service.
Upon receiving reports from guards at a nearby dike who witnessed the avalanche hitting the two hikers, a search operation was initiated.
Although an initial foot search proved unsuccessful, a helicopter was deployed to aid the rescue efforts despite strong winds. The helicopter was able to lower a rescue team accompanied by a dog unit.
The victims, who were wearing snowshoes, have not yet been identified. The avalanche occurred at an altitude of 2,200m (7,200ft) in the Formazza Valley in the Piedmont region of northwest Italy, as confirmed by the rescue service.