Two people lost their lives in separate avalanches in south-western Switzerland on Saturday. The risk of further incidents remains marked, authorities warn.
This content was published on
2 minutes
SDA-ATS/dos
A snowy January in Switzerland has already brought several incidents and avalanches to the Alps; Saturday saw two more victims, a walker and a ski-tourer, both killed in separate accidents in south-western Switzerland.
Near Charmey in canton Fribourg, a 55-year-old man was buried when a group of some 14 walkers triggered a snow movement in the early afternoon. Three others from the group were also injured and transferred by helicopter to hospital.
Meanwhile, a little further south, in canton Vaud and the municipality of Château-d’Oex, three members of a ski-touring group were swept away by a separate avalanche; while two managed to be extricated, the third, a 39-year-old Frenchman, lost his life.
According to reports, a snow-ledge on which the skiers were touring suddenly gave way, setting off the avalanche.
Several accidents have occurred so far in January, following heavy Christmas and New Year snowfall across much of the Alps. Two skiers lost their lives earlier in the month, while last week a snow patroller was killed while on the job in canton Valais.
According to the Institute for Snow and Avalanche researchExternal link, the risk of avalanches remains considerable across most of the Swiss Alps. Walkers, ski-tourers and off-piste skiers should choose routes with caution, and should have experience in evaluating avalanche risk, the institute warns.
CORRECTION: An earlier version of the story reported that the accidents occurred in south-eastern Switzerland.
More
More
What’s the real risk from avalanches?
This content was published on
After an avalanche entered a hotel, what are the risks in Switzerland and how are such hazards monitored?
Switzerland participates in ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting
This content was published on
This engagement was part of a four-day tour of Southeast Asia, aimed at advancing the Swiss Federal Council's Southeast Asia Strategy.
Majority of shareholders approve sustainability reports of major Swiss companies
This content was published on
Shareholders have approved the sustainability reports of the largest Swiss companies by a large majority at their annual general meetings.
EU releases €1.5B frozen assets to Ukraine: Switzerland opts out
This content was published on
The EU announced the release of €1.5 billion (CHF1.44 billion) in aid to Ukraine. Switzerland will not follow the EU's approach.
Five people charged in connection with deadly Swiss rockslide
This content was published on
Five people have been charged with multiple negligent homicide in connection with the deadly Bondo rockslide that occurred seven years ago.
Mountaineer dies after 100-metre fall from Matterhorn
This content was published on
A women fell down the east face of the iconic mountain on Thursday, from an altitude of some 3,460 meters above sea level.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Managing avalanche risks wins UNESCO status
This content was published on
Switzerland and Austria have been awarded coveted Unesco intangible cultural heritage status for their management of avalanche risks.
Almost 30 died in avalanches in Swiss Alps last winter
This content was published on
The winter of 2017-2018 was characterised by “extraordinary” snowfall in the Swiss Alps and a greater number of avalanche deaths than usual.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.