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French Alps avalanche: Nine killed near Chamonix French Alps avalanche: Climbers killed near Chamonix
(40 minutes later)
Nine climbers have been killed and nine others injured in an avalanche near the French Alpine ski resort of Chamonix, officials say. Nine climbers have been killed in an avalanche near the French Alpine ski resort of Chamonix and four others are missing, officials say.
Two Spaniards, one German and one Swiss national were among the victims, the Haute-Savoie prefecture told the BBC. Two others have not been identified. Those killed were reported to be from Spain, Germany, Switzerland and the UK. Nine other climbers were injured.
The bodies of three more people - said to be Britons - have also been found. At least four people are still missing. Local authorities deployed rescue teams in helicopters and said it was the deadliest avalanche in recent memory.
The alarm was sounded by one of the injured on the slopes of Mont Maudit. The alarm was sounded at 05:25 local time (03:25 GMT) by one of the injured on the slopes of Mont Maudit.
The route is popular with summer tourists heading for the summit of Mont Blanc.The route is popular with summer tourists heading for the summit of Mont Blanc.
'Cursed mountain''Cursed mountain'
In all, 28 climbers were roped together in several groups on Thursday morning.In all, 28 climbers were roped together in several groups on Thursday morning.
They are believed to have reached 4,000m (13,120 ft) when the avalanche struck.They are believed to have reached 4,000m (13,120 ft) when the avalanche struck.
Rescuers were alerted about the avalanche at 05:25 local time (03:25 GMT) by one of the injured. A spokeswoman at the Haute-Savoie prefecture told the BBC that six bodies had been found.
A spokeswoman at the Haute-Savoie prefecture told the BBC initially that six bodies had been found.
Hours later, rescuers found the bodies of three more victims, believed to be Britons.Hours later, rescuers found the bodies of three more victims, believed to be Britons.
Four more climbers - said to be two UK nationals and two Spaniards - are still missing, AFP news agency reports. Four more climbers - said to be two UK nationals and two Spaniards - are still missing.
The British Foreign Office said they have had no confirmation from the French that any UK nationals were among the climbers. Chamonix mayor Hean-Louis Verdier told Reuters news agency the avalanche was completely unexpected.
The injured were airlifted to a local hospital. "We had no more reason than usual to be alarmed," he said.
Rescue teams are using a helicopter and heat-seeking device to try to locate the missing. "It's a steep mountain face. There are big plates of snow where an avalanche can easily occur. But this morning we had no reason to expect an avalanche of this size and such a tragedy."
Rescue teams are using helicopters and heat-seeking devices to try to locate the missing.
The French authorities described the avalanche as "the most deadly" in recent years.The French authorities described the avalanche as "the most deadly" in recent years.
The weather in the region has been warm and windy over the last few days, which could have led to an increased risk of avalanche at high altitudes, the BBC's Imogen Foulkes in Berne reports.The weather in the region has been warm and windy over the last few days, which could have led to an increased risk of avalanche at high altitudes, the BBC's Imogen Foulkes in Berne reports.
Chamonix-based mountain guide Richard Mansfield described the area as "very beautiful", but said that it was avalanche-prone.Chamonix-based mountain guide Richard Mansfield described the area as "very beautiful", but said that it was avalanche-prone.
He said the slopes on Mont Maudit faced away from the prevailing wind, which meant snow could be pushed over forming slabs.He said the slopes on Mont Maudit faced away from the prevailing wind, which meant snow could be pushed over forming slabs.
"These can easily be set off by a passing climber, causing an avalanche," he said."These can easily be set off by a passing climber, causing an avalanche," he said.
French officials said that Interior Minister Manuel Valls would arrive to the region later on Thursday.French officials said that Interior Minister Manuel Valls would arrive to the region later on Thursday.
"The interior minister wants to assure the families of his deep sympathy and full support," Mr Valls said in a statement.
Mont Maudit - meaning the cursed mountain - is the third-highest peak in the Mont Blanc massif range, rising to 4,465m.Mont Maudit - meaning the cursed mountain - is the third-highest peak in the Mont Blanc massif range, rising to 4,465m.
Last week, five foreign climbers fell to their deaths in the Valais canton in the Swiss Alps. Eight climbers were killed in an avalanche near Mont Maudit in 2008.