Two missing after avalanche in Austria on Christmas Day

Rescue workers are searching for two missing people after an avalanche swept across ski trails in western Austria, according to reports.

Initially, up to 10 people were feared missing based on video footage from a witness. But the news agency DPA said eight of those individuals had been identified and were no longer feared buried.

The avalanche occurred on the 2,700 metre (9,000ft) Trittkopf mountain between Zuers and Lech am Arlberg, at about 3pm local time (1400 GMT) on Sunday. Local media reported that several helicopters and search teams were deployed soon afterwards.

About 200 people were involved in the search. Rescuers requested headlamps so that they could continue the search in the dark, the Austrian Press Agency said.