Italy avalanches kill nearly a dozen skiers and climbers in deadly record week
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Rescuers in Italy reported Monday that at least a dozen skiers, climbers and hikers died last week in a record-breaking tragedy in the country’s mountainous terrain.
Authorities say 11 of the 12 victims died in avalanches triggered by highly unstable conditions on jagged slopes in the backcountry, The Associated Press reported 13 total deaths.
The incidents took place last Friday, as the Winter Olympics were getting underway in the region. Officials emphasized that playing fields in Lombardy on the Swiss border, Cortina d’Ampezzo in Veneto and Val di Fiemme in Trentino are safe, well-maintained and closely monitored.
Italy’s specialist mountain rescue organization has found that deadly disasters have been caused by weak layers of fresh snow that are so unstable that a single person walking through them could trigger an avalanche.
POWER OUTAGE STOPPED AFTER THE MILANO CORTINA OLYMPICS CURLING COMPETITION STARTED THE MATCHES
The Vigili del Fuoco crew digs through heavy snow while conducting a search and rescue operation on the mountain. (Vigili del Fuoco)
The National Alpine and Caving Rescue Associations said the real problem stems from “persistent weak layers in the snowpack, often covered by fresh snow or wind, conditions that make detachments unpredictable and are easily triggered by the passing of even a single skier or climber.” “Dangerous spots are many and difficult to detect even for an expert.”
Federico Catania, a spokesman for the country’s Alpine Rescue Association, added that recent snowstorms have encouraged visitors to take advantage of new slopes, and as a result “the number of accidents and therefore deaths has increased proportionally,” the AP reported.
JAKE PAUL CALLED IN TEARS AS FIANCE JUTTA LEERDAM BREAKED THE RECORD IN THE OLYMPIC SPEED FLOOR
Two Vigili del Fuoco crew members stand near an open door inside the helicopter during a snowy mountain operation. (Vigili del Fuoco)
Vigili del Fuoco, Italy’s national fire and rescue service, said two people were killed and another seriously injured after being caught in an avalanche that left at least one of the victims fatally buried on the Alpe Meriggio in Valtellina over the weekend.
The Associated Press also reported that three people died in an avalanche in Trentino and one in neighboring South Tyrol.
Two others were reported killed in separate avalanches near the Marmolada glacier, two hikers in the Apennine mountain range and an ice climber in Valle d’Aosta.
CLICK HERE TO GET MORE SPORTS NEWS ON FOXNEWS.COM
The Vigili del Fuoco crew carries out a helicopter rescue operation in a mountainous area. (Vigili del Fuoco)
Catania said people skiing in areas managed outside such areas should not face significant risk, AP reported.
“There is no danger to people skiing at managed ski resorts and, in particular, there is no risk to the Olympic venues,” Catania said. he said. “All of these areas are constantly monitored and are generally safe regardless of the Olympic events.”
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD FOX NEWS APPLICATION
Before the start of the Winter Olympics, Vigili del Fuoco said teams would take safety precautions for all visitors to the venues.
“For the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the Italian National Fire Brigade has implemented an advanced rescue structure to ensure the safety of athletes, delegations, spectators and citizens, while also ensuring continuity of regular service,” the organization said. he said.
