ZURICH, Switzerland: Two climbers were killed and nine injured in Switzerland on May 27 when falling ice blocks struck them.
The climbers had been ascending a peak in southwestern Switzerland when the accident occurred. A major rescue operation was immediately undertaken by Swiss authorities, local media said.
Reports said large blocks of ice fell from Grand Combin mountain in the Val de Bagnes region of Valais canton, striking the climbers.
Seven rescue helicopters arrived on the site, evacuating up to 17 climbers from different groups.
Officials identified the dead as a 40-year-old French national and a 65-year-old Spaniard.
Among the nine who were injured, officials said two sustained serious injuries.
