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Heavy Snow Strands Travellers in Victoria and NSW Alps

Rescue units continue working through treacherous conditions to reach six motorists still trapped near Mount Hotham.

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Main Range with Mount Kosciuzskoat left of centre of picture, from Ramshead RangeKosciuszko National Park, New South Wales, Australia. (Photo by Auscape/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
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SES volunteers have been busy assisting people stuck in the snow at Mount Hotham, with about 40 people rescued on Sunday, June 8. Picture by SES

Overview

  • Over 20 vehicles became immobilized on the Blue Rag Range Track near Mount Hotham after more than 60cm of snow fell during the ski season opener.
  • SES and Victoria Police teams have rescued 13 drivers and passengers using snowmobiles, and a man in his 40s was treated for minor injuries after his vehicle rolled.
  • Six motorists remain trapped as specialist alpine crews deploy sleds to reach them under deteriorating weather conditions ahead of further snowfall.
  • Alpine officers in New South Wales reached and evacuated two hikers stranded below Mount Carruthers in white-out blizzard conditions.
  • Dargo High Plains Road is closed until after the King’s Birthday long weekend, and authorities are warning travellers to carry wheel chains and obey road closure signs.