Lucky escape for Swiss avalanche cameraman

Switzerland has had higher than average snowfall this winter, leading to an increased risk of avalanches Keystone

A man was pulled out from an avalanche in Switzerland with minor injuries, just a week after three skiers were killed in a separate incident in the same canton that likely claimed a fourth life.

The cameraman from Swiss television station Tele M1 was buried by the latest avalanche whilst filming early in the morning near the Great St Bernard Hospice on the famous Great St Bernard Pass near to the Italian border. He had hiked up to the hostel with a group of people and their St Bernard dogs on Friday.

His companions heard his screams and were able to dig him out, and he was taken to hospital with non-serious injuries.

Last week, six skiers were caught in an avalanche in Vallon d’Arbi, also in canton Valais. Two managed to extricate themselves, but the bodies of three others were later found. A fourth victim remains buried under the snow and is presumed dead.

Switzerland has been hit by higher than average snowfall this winter that has increased the avalanche risk in several regions. Thousands of tourists were trapped in the resort of Zermatt in January, while other areas have also been temporarily cut off.