Three Dutch tourists have died in an avalanche in the Austrian Alps, according to reports from Austrian media on Thursday.
Previously, two deaths had been reported. A third victim was initially revived at the scene, but did not survive. A fourth Dutch national was taken to hospital. The risk of another avalanche has complicated rescue operations, according to services in the Alpine resort of Sölden.
The group consisted of 17 people, Austrian media state. The majority were able to avoid the avalanche, which occurred at 2,500 metres above sea level in the Vent resort, South West of Austria. Four people were buried by the snow, causing three fatalities.
Adverse weather conditions have delayed rescue efforts, and resulted in a temporary halt to search operations. Heavy snowfall in recent days has increased the risk of further avalanches.
On Tuesday, a group of six hikers were hit by an avalanche near the alpine Achensee Lake, northeast of Innsbruck. A 19-year-old German man was killed.
The Dutch Embassy in Vienna is prepared to provide consular assistance if necessary, according to the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as reported by Dutch press agency ANP.
