At least 10 people buried in Austrian avalanche Christmas Day

At least 10 people were buried in an avalanche at a ski resort in western Austria on Sunday, with one person rescued.

The mass of snow, ice, and rocks began falling around 3 p.m. on Christmas Day at the Lech/Zuers free skiing area, the Austrian Press Agency (APA) reported.

Several helicopters and search teams were deployed, and about 100 people were involved in the immediate search.

“Ten winter sport enthusiasts” were buried, according to a statement from police.

Those involved in the search requested headlamps so they could continue their rescue mission into the evening, APA reported.

“We are doing everything we can to rescue the winter sports enthusiasts,” APA quoted the municipality of Lech as saying. “Searchlights were requested so that the search could continue in the dark.”

Lech/Zuers is a renowned ski area located in the Alps, and forms part of the cradle of Alpine skiing. The resort’s website said that due to the emergency, the skiing area has been closed as of 5 p.m. Sunday.

An update will be provided on whether the resort will reopen for Monday for skiing at 8 a.m. Monday morning.

With Post wires