British National Among Avalanche Victims in French Alps
A British man in his 30s was among at least three individuals killed in two separate avalanches in the French Alps on Tuesday.
The man and a Polish citizen were part of a group of five skiing off-piste near the resort town of La Grave when the avalanche occurred.
Second Avalanche in Valloire Claims One Life
In a neighbouring area, Valloire, several hikers were caught in a second avalanche. Authorities reported one fatality and two others in critical condition.
Winter Season Death Toll Rises to 28
These incidents raise the total number of deaths this winter season at the popular skiing destination to 28. This follows the deaths of two other British nationals and a French citizen on Friday.
Two other skiers from the La Grave group, a German and an Australian, escaped without injury.
Avalanche Risk Levels and Investigations
On Tuesday, the French weather service rated the avalanche risk in the La Grave area as "high," or level four on a five-point scale, due to fresh snow and wind. At the Valloire resort, the risk was rated at the maximum level five.
Local authorities have initiated investigations to determine the causes of death in both avalanches.
Official Response and Previous Incidents
Following the deaths of the two British nationals on Friday, a Foreign Office spokesperson told the BBC:
"We are in contact with the local authorities and stand ready to offer consular assistance."
There have been multiple fatal avalanches in the French Alps since the start of the year, including six deaths during one weekend in January.
