At least 6 killed as giant glacier collapses in Italy's Dolomites Mountains
Several were hiking along Marmolada Peak in Trento when the collapse occurred as temperatuers soared to 50 degrees F in the mountains region.
At least 6 dead after Italy avalanche
At least six people have died after parts of a mountain glacier collapsed during record high temperatures in Marmolada, Italy. Rescue efforts are underway to locate survivors.
At least six people were killed, and eight others injured in an avalanche when part of a giant glacier collapsed in Italy's Dolomites Mountain range Sunday during a record heat wave.
Several were hiking along Marmolada Peak in Trento when the collapse occurred just before 2 p.m. local time.
Six rescue helicopters were sent to the scene, while other rescue teams equipped with search dogs, joined firefighters and police officers from nearby provinces on the ground, according to Trento Autonomous Province.
So far, six people have been confirmed dead, but officials say the death toll may still climb. Eight others were taken to hospitals in Trento, Belluni and Bolzano. Two of the injured were listed in serious condition.
Four others were rescued from the scene without injury.
An ongoing heat wave in the region brought temperatures in the mountainous area up to around 50 degrees F.
Officials are still working to identify everyone who was at the scene during the avalanche, including the owners of 16 vehicles located in parking lots near access paths to the area.
It's unclear what exactly triggered the avalanche.