Desperate search for survivors of avalanche-hit hotel in Italy continues into the night

Desperate search for survivors of avalanche-hit hotel in Italy continues into the night
By Joanna Gill
Share this articleComments
Share this articleClose Button
Copy/paste the article video embed link below:Copy to clipboardCopied

Rescue workers face treacherous conditions as they fight against time and the elements to find survivors after an avalanche struck a luxury mountain hotel in central Italy, hours after a series of str

ADVERTISEMENT

Rescue workers face treacherous conditions as they fight against time and the elements to find survivors after an avalanche struck a luxury mountain hotel in central Italy, hours after a series of strong earthquakes in the region.

The lower floors of the hotel appear to be structurally intact, but less is known about the upper floors, where up to 30 people could be buried under tonnes of snow.

Authorities said only two survivors had been found, and local media reported three bodies recovered, raising fears that the death toll may climb.

It was a rescue that began at 4 am hours after the avalanche, with rescue workers arriving on skis, leaving their vehicles on the approach road, as they waited for the way to be cleared.

“We are working with our tools, and the dogs are sniffing (the ground). It was an reinforced cement structure that collapsed, there are significant parts to remove, it will take time,” explained Luca Cari, Italian firefighters spokesman. When questioned over the state of the hotel he said it had ‘collapsed completely’.

Desperately searching for survivors they said they called out but heard no replies.

“In these cases hope is always the engine that keeps the workers going. If there was no hope the rescuers would not give it everything they’ve got,” said Fabrizio Curcio, Head of the Italian Civil Protection Department.

The hotel sits at the bottom of the Gran Sasso mountain – an area hit by heavy snowfall in recent days.

Italian media reported that the guests had checked out of the hotel and were waiting for a snow plough to arrive when the avalanche slammed into the hotel.

Share this articleComments

You might also like

Thick fog causes pile-ups and crashes in northern Italy, killing 3 and injuring dozens

Three investigated for 'road murder' after Italy's deadly bus crash which killed 21

Italy launches probe after bus with foreign tourists in Venice plunges from overpass, killing 21