Vienna: Three skiers from the Netherlands were killed in an avalanche in the Ötztal Alps in Austria on Thursday, the mountain rescue service told the APA news agency.
One other person who had been trapped in the snow was receiving treatment in hospital.
Despite initial reports that up to 18 skiers had been caught up in the avalanche, there are not thought to be any other victims.
A total of 17 Dutch skiers and four guides were in the vicinity when the avalanche came down on the route to Martin Busch Hütte 2,501 metres above sea level.
A major alert was issued to hospitals in the region.
Fresh snowfalls have occurred in the Tyrol region in recent days, and helicopter crews, mountain rescue teams, dog teams and alpine police have been deployed.
On Tuesday, a 19-year-old German died when an
avalanche struck a group of six on the Bärnkopf at
Lake Achen.
The avalanches are thought to have occurred spontaneously without obvious external cause. (DPA)
