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Climbers 'serious' after rescue Three die in Highlands avalanche
(31 minutes later)
Three climbers who were rescued following an avalanche on a mountain in the Highlands are said to be in a serious condition. Police in the Highlands have confirmed that three climbers have died following an avalanche on a mountain.
Two helicopters were scrambled to Buchaille Etive Mor in Glencoe after police were alerted at about 1200 GMT. The incident was sparked at about 1200 GMT when helicopters were scrambled to Buchaille Etive Mor in Glencoe.
The three injured climbers were taken to the Belford Hospital in Fort William and one was due to be transferred to a hospital in Glasgow. Insp Pamela Ross from Northern Constabulary confirmed at about 1500 GMT on Saturday that casualties had been airlifted to hospital.
A number of other climbers were treated on the mountain. It is believed they lost their fight for life after being taken to the Belford Hospital in Fort William.
Insp Pamela Ross from Northern Constabulary, confirmed at about 1500 GMT on Saturday that casualties had been airlifted to hospital. A number of other climbers were treated on the mountain following the incident, being co-ordinated by Northern Constabulary.
As far as I'm aware at the moment, we're not looking for anyone else Insp Pamela RossNorthern Constabulary She said: "My understanding is, having spoken to the officers at the scene, is that everybody is now accounted for.
"As far as I'm aware at the moment, we're not looking for anyone else."
First on the scene was the RAF rescue helicopter, Rescue 137, which had been diverted from an exercise in the area.First on the scene was the RAF rescue helicopter, Rescue 137, which had been diverted from an exercise in the area.
Blizzard conditions
The second helicopter, Rescue 177, was scrambled from the Royal Navy station at HMS Gannet near Prestwick.The second helicopter, Rescue 177, was scrambled from the Royal Navy station at HMS Gannet near Prestwick.
But one helicopter had to be grounded because of blizzard conditions.But one helicopter had to be grounded because of blizzard conditions.
Mountain rescuers were involved with the operationThe Avalanche Information Service website warned that the avalanche hazard for Saturday would be "considerable". The Avalanche Information Service website warned that the avalanche hazard for Saturday would be "considerable".
It stated: "Snowpack stability will remain poor on all steep North-North-West through North to East aspects above 850m where avalanches are likely.It stated: "Snowpack stability will remain poor on all steep North-North-West through North to East aspects above 850m where avalanches are likely.
"Weak cornices will continue to grow over these locations and be prone to collapse.""Weak cornices will continue to grow over these locations and be prone to collapse."
Northern Constabulary Police has been co-ordinating the operation.