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

1. Avalanche occurred at 3:00 a.m. local time¹
2. Triggered by ice chunk the size of two football fields¹
3. Started at 11,800 feet¹
4. Four helicopters used in search and rescue attempt¹
5. 40 searchers with dogs took part in the attempt to find survivors²
6. 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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