Four injured in Swiss avalanche, search for survivors continues

An avalanche in the popular Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana on Tuesday injured at least four people, while search efforts continued for more possible survivors buried on the piste, police said. Valais state police confirmed on Twitter that an avalanche occurred at around 2.15pm CET, leaving “several people buried”. "Rescuers arrived very quickly, they rescued four injured people including one whose life is in danger, and three were injured more superficially," Valais state police commander Christian Varone told a news conference. "Witnesses told us there could be more people under the snow, that is why we are pursuing the search with considerable means." Some 240 police and rescue workers and eight helicopters have been deployed for the search operation. A helpline for friends and relatives of those affected has also been launched. The avalanche came as warm temperatures over the past week began melting heavy snow in the region. It coincided with the school holidays in some of Switzerland's cantons and other countries in Europe. Philippe Magistretti, president of the resort's ski lift company, told Reuters around 8,000 skiers were on the slopes on Tuesday.