Avalanche kills two hikers in the Italian Alps | World News

The bodies of two hikers have been found in the Italian Alps near Switzerland after they were struck by an avalanche.

The force of the avalanche, which hit at around 12pm on Sunday, pushed one of the victims into a lake near the bottom of the slope, while the other body was found buried in snow, Italy’s alpine rescue service said.

A search operation was launched after guards at a nearby dike reported seeing the avalanche hit the two hikers, authorities said.

An initial search on foot failed to find the hikers, prompting the use of a helicopter.

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Despite strong winds, a helicopter was able to lower a rescue team aided by a dog unit.

The identities of the victims, who the rescue team said were wearing snowshoes, have not been released.

The avalanche hit at a 2,200m (7,200ft) level in Formazza Valley in the Piedmont region in northwest Italy, the rescue service said.