'Luck' needed to survive avalanche

Nine climbers have been killed in an avalanche near the French Alpine ski resort of Chamonix.

Three of those killed were from the UK, three from Germany, two from Spain and one from Switzerland. Twelve other climbers were reported injured.

Local authorities deployed rescue teams in helicopters and said it was the deadliest avalanche in recent memory.

Speaking to the BBC, mountain guide Richard Mansfield explained that it was most likely a slab avalanche, and that ''luck'' was needed to survive.