Five soldiers killed in Alps avalanche during training exercise
FIVE soldiers have died after an avalanche hit their training exercise in the French Alps.
The soldiers were training in Valfréjus, pictured
The French servicemen perished after the snowslide struck on Monday afternoon.
They were training on the slopes of Valfréjus, a ski resort not far from the Italian border.
Around 50 soldiers are thought to have been involved in the drill.
They were skiing when the avalanche hit, not long after midday local time.
There had recently been heavy snow in the area.
Rescuers in Les Deux Alpes, where schoolchildren were hit by an avalanche last week
Local media said that more soldiers have been injured, and that some are suffering hypothermia.
Helicopters and search dogs were deployed as rescuers scrambled to save the victims.
The French government confirmed the disaster, which is being investigated.
It is not clear what triggered the snowslide.
French sports minister Thierry Braillard said: "There was an avalanche at Valfrejus.
Avalanche à Valfréjus. Le risque en montagne est une réalité. Pensées aux victimes et au régiment endeuillé par ce drame.
— Thierry Braillard (@Th_Braillard) January 18, 2016
"The risk in the mountains is a reality. My thoughts are with the victims and to the regiment bereaved by this tragedy."
It comes a week after a group of French schoolchildren were caught in an avalanche. Three died.