Skiers feared buried alive as avalanche sweeps across piste in Swiss resort of Andermatt
- Two people were airlifted to hospital after the mid-morning avalanche today
- Heavy snow in recent days had seen the avalanche danger raised to level three
- A large rescue squad is carrying out a search for potential buried skiers
Skiers are feared buried alive and two others have been injured after an avalanche swept across a ski trail near the Swiss town of Andermatt.
The avalanche occurred mid-morning on Thursday while many holiday skiers were enjoying the mountain sunshine the day after Christmas.
A police spokesman said the avalanche was of a considerable size.
Skiers are feared buried alive and two others have been injured after an avalanche swept across a ski trail near the Swiss town of Andermatt (pictured)
The avalanche occurred mid-morning on Thursday while many holiday skiers were enjoying the mountain sunshine
Heavy snow in recent days had seen the avalanche danger raised to level three, meaning significant danger, according to the dpa news agency.
The two people who were slightly injured were flown to a hospital by the Alpine rescue service.
A large rescue squad is carrying out the search with considerable resources.
Meanwhile in Austria today, three avalanches came down in Ankogel in the province of Carinthia, a police spokesman said.
Two injured skiers were airlifted to hospital while a large rescue team is carrying out further searches
One happened outside the secured ski slope and buried two free riders who were able to free themselves.
More than 60 rescue workers, helicopters and dogs are searching for people who might have been buried under a major avalanche that came down directly on the slope, he said.
It was too early to say anything regarding potential fatalities.