Official fears avalanche victims dead

CHAMONIX, France, Aug. 24 (UPI) -- French officials say there is little hope of saving several climbers swept away by an avalanche in the Mont Blanc range.

The BBC reported Sunday that at least eight people are believed to be trapped under the snow. They were hit by a wall of snow 600 feet long, the British network reported.

French Interior Minister Michele Alliot-Marie, who flew to the area Sunday, said there was "no longer any chance of finding someone alive."

Eight people survived the avalanche. They were taken to a hospital in Chamonix, France.

The BBC reported that rescue efforts have been hampered by new avalanche threats.