Four killed and nine injured in avalanche in French Alps

Four people have died and nine others have been injured in a devastating avalanche in the French Alps.

The avalanche hit on the Armancette glacier, which is southwest of Mont Blanc, on Sunday.

People backcountry skiing in the mountains were caught in it, with two helicopters sent to help with a rescue search.

The avalanche covered an area of one km by 500 metres (half a mile by 550 yards) at an altitude of 3,500 metres.

Emmanuel Coquand, spokesperson for the local authorities of Haute-Savoi, said officials were working to confirm the names of the victims.

He added that they were looking into the causes behind the tragedy.

President Emmanuel Macron has paid tribute on Twitter, saying his thoughts are with the victims and their families.

Posting at 3pm, he said rescue services were continuing to search for further casualties.

The Alps are a prime holiday spot over France’s long Easter weekend.

The Armancette glacier lies near the village and ski resort of Les Contamines-Montjoie.

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