An avalanche in the French Alps has killed five members of the French Foreign Legion on a training exercise and seriously injured several others, reports The Guardian.
A member of the local rescue services told BFM television that the dead and injured were among a group of several dozen soldiers training off-piste in Valfréjus, in the Savoie region.
Jean-Claude Raffin, mayor of Modane, the nearest town, said the soldiers were on an all-day backcountry skiing session when the avalanche hit. He said six people were injured, with one in intensive care after suffering hypothermia.
The group of about 50 men were skiing at an altitude of between 2,350 and 2,600 metres (7,700-8,500 feet).
The regiment to which the soldiers were attached is specialised in mountain warfare and all the members have military skiing qualifications. The unit experienced a similar tragedy in 2012 when an avalanche swept away five of its members, leaving one dead.
The nationalities of the victims were not immediately known. The French Foreign Legion attracts recruits from around the world.
Julien Noel, director of the ski area, said the location where the avalanche hit was well-known for backcountry skiing was not particularly dangerous. He said the slopes were closed after the avalanche on Monday for safety.
French prosecutors have opened an investigation into the events to see whether the inquiry should be handed over to military authorities.