Two female climbers from the Piemont region in northern Italy have been killed by an avalanche on the face of the Mont Blanc du Tacul around 04h00 this morning close to the séracs. The face is on the three Mont Blancs route to the summit. Their Italian guide was seriously injured.
The avalanche was triggered by a serac fall and hit six people on the route, four Italians, a Greek guide and his client. The victims and their guide were carried into the rimaye near the base of the climb. Due to the conditions PGHM rescue helicopter was only able to reach the scene at 08h00. Police climbers were sent on foot via the Aiguille du Midi cable car to offer assistance. They were joined by other rescuers and equipment flown by helicopter. The conditions were dangerous due to the risk of a secondary avalanche. It had snowed at altitude on Friday night.