Avalanche hits Tignes French Alpine ski resort, reportedly causing casualties

PARIS -- French officials say an avalanche has struck the Alpine ski resort of Tignes, and rescue services launched a search.

The ski station later said there were no casualties – just a few people knocked over by the snow.

The Savoie prefecture said the avalanche struck Tuesday morning.

Earlier, first aid workers told the Reuters news agency some skiers were swept away and a police spokesperson quoted by the local newspaper Le Dauphine said several people were buried by the avalanche on the busy slope.

Local newspaper reports said mountain rescue police, rescue dogs and a doctor were sent to the site wheln it was unclear whether anyone was injured or missing. Remaining skiers were being evacuated. The weather was reported to be too poor to send a helicopter.

Four snowboarders died last month in Tignes in another avalanche near the resort.