Four die in avalanche in French Alps

Four people died in an avalanche in the French department of Savoie, local authorities said.

Report informs, citing RIA Novosti, that the avalanche occurred in Alpes Cottiennes close to the Galibier mountain crossing. The mountain gendarmerie officers, two helicopters, and specially trained dogs were dispatched to the site.

According to the prefecture, the avalanche affected two groups of tourists.

"By preliminary estimates, four died. Search is underway to make sure no one else is left under the snow," the prefecture said on Twitter.