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.CNN.com: 8 presumed killed ... (August 24, 2008)

"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 survivorCNN.com: 8 presumed killed ... (August 24, 2008)

''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 ChamonixBBC News: Hopes fade for avalanche victims (August 24, 2008)