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The avalanche hit Val Ridanna, in South Tyrol, ItalyCredit: Alamy 
Choppers were deployed to save the skiersCredit: Alpine rescue
A HORROR avalanche has killed two people and seriously injured three others.
The huge mass of snow swept ten people away when it struck Val Ridanna, in South Tyrol, Italy.
It hit just before 11.40am local time today.
The avalanche killed two of the ten people who were swept away.
Of the surviving eight people, seven were injured – three seriously and two lightly.
One person is reported missing.
The snow broke away at an altitude of around 8000ft, in the Racines area on Cima d’Incendio.
A desperate rescue operation was launched, involving five helicopters.
Canine units and local firefighters also attended the scene.