French Alps Avalanche
August 24, 2008: Eight climbers are assumed to be dead after an avalanche in the French Alps, near Mont Blanc. Five Austrians and three Swiss were missing following the avalanche. Seven other individuals were hospitalized.1
Fast Facts
- Avalanche occurred at 3:00 a.m. local time1
- Triggered by ice chunk the size of two football fields1
- Started at 11,800 feet1
- Four helicopters used in search and rescue attempt1
- 40 searchers with dogs took part in the attempt to find survivors2
- Survivors taken to hospital in Chamonix2
Quotes
"The guide shouted, 'Run fast! Run fast!' It didn't make any noise. It really was impressive. We had just enough time to move away to the right before getting hit ... We were really lucky."—Nicolas Duquesne, avalanche survivor1
''It's probable, according to statements made to us, that the climbers roped together were on the path up the mountain, and in the place where the block of ice tumbled down."—Eric Fournier, mayor of Chamonix2
Related Pages on Mahalo
Avalanche | Alps | France
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