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Avalanches in French Alps and Greece Kill Six as Probes Open in France

Authorities say recent weather heightened avalanche danger even in areas rated low risk.

Overview

  • In Savoie’s La Plagne, an avalanche on the north face of Sommet de Bellecôte buried a six-person off-piste group, and the 60-year-old guide later died in a Grenoble hospital while a 50-year-old woman was severely injured.
  • A separate slide near Valloire in the Combe Aiguille Noire sector swept four ski tourers, and one person died after a cardiac arrest despite rescue efforts.
  • French prosecutors have opened investigations into both fatal incidents as rescue teams completed evacuations and documented the scenes.
  • In central Greece’s Vardousia range, rescuers recovered four bodies near the Korakas peak after three men were reported missing and a woman, later identified as a companion, was also found dead.
  • Greek rescue teams said the victims were found close together, suggesting they were caught off guard, and recovery and terrain-clearance operations continue in difficult conditions.