Two dead, 200 trapped by Siberian avalanche

Around 50 cars and four buses have been trapped in snow after an avalanche in southern Siberia.

At least two people have died from carbon monoxide poisoning. A third is in a serious condition in hospital.

Officials think up to 200 people are trapped on a mountain road near Yermakov in the Krasnoyarsk region.

Rescue teams have been trying to reach them before cold and hunger sets in, Interfax news agency reports.

The two people who died were killed by carbon monoxide poisoning as they tried to stay warm in their lorry, said Irina Andriyanova, Emergency Situations Ministry spokeswoman.

Rescue workers have been using bulldozers and tractors in an attempt to get to the trapped vehicles.

They have been hampered by heavy snowfalls.