Italian rescue teams extract eight survivors from avalanche-hit hotel
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Italian search and rescue teams have found eight people, including two children, buried under the rubble and snow of hotel Rigopiano.
Reports suggest that a further five have been located.
A rescuer at the Hotel Rigopiano which was struck by a powerful avalanche in Farindola, Italy, January 19th 2017 (AFP/CNSAS) pic.twitter.com/IVsUO7hU5C
— The Economist (@TheEconomist) January 19, 2017
The guests have been trapped for around 40 hours.
Authorities say they are communicating with the survivors as they work to extract them.
Italian Coast Guard
AgustaWestland</a> AW.139GC (NEMO11) making MEDEVAC mission for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/hotelrigopiano?src=hash">#hotelrigopiano</a> survivors <a href="https://t.co/Oo5TClP8Az">pic.twitter.com/Oo5TClP8Az</a></p>— ItaMilRadar (ItaMilRadar) January 20, 2017
The mountain hotel in central Italy was hit by a powerful avalanche as a result of Wednesday’s earthquakes.
Dozens of people are still missing and four people have been found dead.
It is being reported that the guests had gathered in the foyer to await evacuation when the avalanche hit.
The first ambulances carrying the survivors have arrived at a hospital in Pescara.