Two off-piste skiers died and a third was seriously injured after an avalanche struck a popular slope near Courmayeur, Italy, on Sunday.

ROME: Two off-piste skiers were killed and another seriously injured after an avalanche struck a slope near Courmayeur on Sunday. Italy’s central alpine rescue service (CNSAS) said the victims were a woman and two men, who were “probably” French.

The avalanche hit the Canale dei Vesses in the Val Veny area at the foot of Mont Blanc. This stretch is known for its steep passages popular with off-piste skiers.

Fifteen rescuers participated in the search, aided by search-and-rescue dogs and two helicopters. One person died at the scene and the other after being transported to an emergency room.

The injured person was taken to a hospital in Turin for treatment. The CNSAS confirmed the ongoing rescue operation involved significant aerial and ground resources.

 The Sun Malaysia