Avalanche in Riksgränsen: Five Found, One Injured
Updated on Wednesday 25 March at 14:19
An avalanche occurred just before 1pm on Wednesday afternoon at Bjørnfjell in Riksgränsen, Kiruna municipality, Sweden. Initial reports from callers indicated that as many as ten people may have been caught in the snow, according to Swedish public broadcaster SVT.
Authorities have since confirmed that five individuals have been located. Expressen reports that one person sustained injuries.
The avalanche is estimated to be approximately 50 meters in length, as reported by SVT.
SOS Alarm received multiple calls reporting the incident, according to SVT.
Police are continuing rescue efforts to ensure no one else is trapped. Norwegian rescue resources, including two air ambulances and a rescue helicopter, have been dispatched to the area, as stated by rescue manager Håvard Svenning of the Central Rescue Service (HRS). Norwegian police are also assisting with dog handlers and volunteers. The Norwegian Rescue Dogs organization has deployed seven avalanche dogs to the scene, according to national preparedness manager Stig Mebust.
Riksgränsen is located approximately 40 kilometers from Narvik, Norway. Avalanche danger in the area is currently rated as moderate.