A major avalanche has seen three skiers swept away in horror scenes at a popular tourist spot. The incident, which occurred around noon local time today (February 7), saw skiers hit by avalanche while off-piste near Pizzo Meriggio, Albosaggia, in Italy.
The incident triggered a huge emergency response. Three helicopters were deployed: one from the Regional Health Service, one from the Guardia di Finanza, and one from the Fire Brigade. Rescue efforts were conducted in particularly difficult environmental conditions, with coordinated aerial operations.
Two people were reached by medical teams airlifted to the scene. One victim was declared dead at the scene, while the other was stabilized and remains in critical condition.
A third person was later located beneath the snow and recovered by the Fire Brigade’s SAF unit and was sadly declared dead. This helicopter was brought in after being deployed in Livigno to support operations related to the Winter Olympics.
According to Sondrio today, the second fatal victim has been named locally as Sebastiano Erba, 35. He was reportedly on ski mountaineering excursion when he reportedly tired to help the other two skiers.
Reports say he was likely accompanied by his dog, but no details of this have been reported by officials.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the precise circumstances of the incident. Pizzo Meriggio is a peak in the Orobie Alps of Lombardy, northern Italy, near the town of Albosaggia in the province of Sondrio.