Avalanche in French Alps kills seven climbers, including foreigners

PELVOUX, France, Sept. 15 (UPI) -- Officials say an avalanche Tuesday in the French Alps killed at least seven people and injured one.

The incident occurred on the Dome de Neige des Ecrins, a 13,000-foot tall mountain near the town of Pelvoux, France.

Pierre Besnard, a Hautes-Alpes official, said in a statement the avalanche struck three groups of climbers, some of whom were roped together.

Besnard said rescue operations, which included three helicopters, 11 police officers, two doctors and search dogs, were complete.

The victims -- including foreigners and one person who suffered a broken femur -- were being identified.

French media reported German and Czech climbers were among the dead, and that a Polish national had been injured.

The BBC quoted Christian Flagella, a local police commander, as saying conditions in the area were currently "winter-like."