Rome, July 7 (UNI/Sputnik) The death toll in glacier collapse that triggered an avalanche in the Dolomite Alps in northeastern Italy rose to nine, Maurizio Fugatti, the president of the Italian special autonomy of Trentino, said on Wednesday.
The glacier in the Marmolada range collapsed on Sunday, setting off a downslide of snow, stones, and ice that covered the slope of the mountain, as several groups of tourists were climbing to the top. The initial death toll was six, with eight to nine others counting injured. On Monday, local media reported that up to 20 people could be missing.
"Rescue operations continued today with the use of drones, which have found new bodies; the number of confirmed victims has risen to nine, up two people than the day before. Four of these bodies have been identified by family members, and five have yet to be identified," Fugatti was quoted by the autonomy's authorities.
Two more people remain missing after the incident.
The Marmolada glacier is the largest in the Dolomites, which is part of the Italian Alps.
UNI/SPUTNIK RNJ