At least four injured as avalanche hits skiers at Swiss resort

At least four people were injured as an avalanche hit skiers in a popular resort of the Swiss Alps on Tuesday, according to police officials.

Canton police in southern Valais said on Twitter that the avalanche occurred on the Plaine-Morte sector in Crans-Montana at around 2.15 p.m. local time (1320 GMT).

One person pulled out of the avalanche was in critical condition, Christian Varone, the police chief in Valais said in a press conference.

More people might be buried under the snow, Varone said citing eyewitnesses.

The search and rescue efforts are still ongoing, the police chief added.

According to local media reports, at least 10 people are still trapped. Backed by helicopters and rescue dogs, 240 rescuers continue to search the scene for more people buried under the snow.

In recent days, warm weather in the Alps caused snow to melt.

Ski resorts are busy in much of Europe due to school breaks.