Five skiers have died in two avalanches in the Salzburg Pongau region of western Austria, according to authorities.
“This tragedy painfully shows how serious the current avalanche situation is,” said Gerhard Kremser, head of the Pongau mountain rescue service district, noting the “clear and repeated warnings” about the avalanche danger.
Four rescue helicopters, Red Cross mountain and dog rescue teams, and a crisis intervention team were urgently dispatched to the scene.
Authorities say other avalanches have been recorded in the area, but fortunately, they have not resulted in any casualties.
“Our deepest condolences go out to the families. This tragedy painfully shows how serious the current avalanche situation is,” Kremser added.
Avalanches in the region are a regular occurrence at this time of year.
On Tuesday, a 13-year-old boy was killed after an avalanche swept him away while he was skiing.
A 58-year-old skier was killed a week ago in a similar incident.
Authorities are urging skiers to exercise caution and follow official advice and weather warnings to avoid the risks of serious injury or death. /Telegraph/