Five skiers were killed in a pair of avalanches in Austria’s western Alpine regions on Saturday, with two others injured, one critically.

Authorities reported that four skiers were killed in a snow slide in the Gastein Valley, south of Salzburg, which swept away seven people. Two others were injured, one critically, while a third escaped unharmed.

Earlier on Saturday, a female skier was fatally buried by an avalanche in Bad Hofgastein at about 2,200 metres. In central Austria’s Pusterwald, three Czech skiers were killed in another avalanche, with four companions evacuated safely.

“This tragedy painfully demonstrates how serious the current avalanche situation is,” said Gerhard Kremser, district head of the Pongau mountain rescue service, urging skiers to heed official warnings.

Rescue efforts included four helicopters, mountain rescue and Red Cross dog teams, and a crisis intervention unit, all dispatched to assist the injured and recover bodies.

Avalanches are common in the Alps this time of year. Earlier incidents this month have killed a 13-year-old boy and a 58-year-old skier. Authorities continue to warn skiers to exercise caution to avoid serious injury or death.

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