Five dead in French Alps avalanche

An avalanche in the French Alps has killed five soldiers on a training exercise and left others injured, according to a rescue official.

Major Pujol, from the local rescue services, confirmed the deaths to BFM television today.

He said the soldiers were among a group of several dozen training off-piste in Valfrejus in the Savoie region.

His first name was not given.

The incident comes just days after three people, including two students, were killed when a school group in the Alps was swept away by an avalanche.