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Climbers die near Mont Blanc in the French Alps | Climbers die near Mont Blanc in the French Alps |
(about 3 hours later) | |
Six French climbers have been found dead in the Alps in south-eastern France. | Six French climbers have been found dead in the Alps in south-eastern France. |
The five climbers and their guide, all aged between 27 and 45, went missing in bad weather late on Tuesday. | The five climbers and their guide, all aged between 27 and 45, went missing in bad weather late on Tuesday. |
The bodies were reportedly found after a rescue team was sent to Aiguille d'Argentiere, a 3,900m (12,800ft) peak in the Mont Blanc range. | The bodies were reportedly found after a rescue team was sent to Aiguille d'Argentiere, a 3,900m (12,800ft) peak in the Mont Blanc range. |
Evidence suggests the group died instantly after falling 250m, French mountain rescuers said. | Evidence suggests the group died instantly after falling 250m, French mountain rescuers said. |
The climbers' identities have not yet been confirmed. | The climbers' identities have not yet been confirmed. |
Rising death toll | Rising death toll |
Prosecutor Agnes Robine said the climbers had been on a two-week course, and none were novices. | |
An investigation is under way into the possible cause of the tragedy, but Ms Robine said it is far too early to draw any conclusions. | |
Every year thousands of mountaineers attempt the various peaks of the Mont Blanc range, which includes Europe's highest and best-known summit of the same name. | |
An average of 59 people are killed each year in accidents on its slopes, according to the Chamoniarde, an association that provides safety information for the area. | An average of 59 people are killed each year in accidents on its slopes, according to the Chamoniarde, an association that provides safety information for the area. |
Although August is usually one of the better months for climbing, snowstorms can still strike quickly. | Although August is usually one of the better months for climbing, snowstorms can still strike quickly. |
Since mid-July, two Belgians, two Finns and two Irish have been killed, as well as climbers from Germany and France, Agence France-Presse news agency reports. | Since mid-July, two Belgians, two Finns and two Irish have been killed, as well as climbers from Germany and France, Agence France-Presse news agency reports. |