Italy avalanche kills at least six with ‘ten missing’ after shards of glacier break off and crash down on climbers

AT least six people have been killed and ten more are still missing after an avalanche struck the Italian alps. A group of tourists were hit after record temperatures in Northern Italy caused a glacier to collapse, with reports suggesting at least eight further people have been injured. APThe ice avalanche has killed at least six hikers and injured eight others[/caption] ReutersThe ice glacier collapsed on the Marmolada mountain, in Northern Italy, where at least ten people are still missing[/caption] The incident has led to the evacuation of the Marmolada mountain in the Italian Alps as officials warn there is a risk of further collapses. Five helicopters and additional dog units have been sent to the area to search for survivors, according to Italian newspaper La Repubblica. An eyewitness told the newspaper: “We heard a very loud noise, then we saw the snow and ice avalanche.” Local authorities have confirmed rescue operations are in progress after the “ice avalanche” fell on tourists, and added there was likely to be a “heavy toll”. Most read in World News GUN ALERT 'Gunman with automatic weapon' opens fire at mall near Harry Styles gig venue SHARK CARNAGE SECOND tourist dies in shark attack at resort hours after woman, 68, killed SHARK HORROR Final words of snorkeller, 68, killed by shark as beaches CLOSED along Red Sea CLEANING UP Company offers whopping £4,400 a MONTH without experience - but no one wants it THAT'S BLOWN IT Bungling Russian navy 'sinks its own ship' in fresh humiliation for Putin MANEATER Girl, 6, mauled to death by leopard in FOURTH fatal attack after three kids eaten The avalanche took place on the Marmolada, the highest mountain in the Dolomites region of the Italian Alps. The glacier collapsed on a route usually taken by hikers to reach the summit of the mountain, the Alpine rescue said. ReutersA handout photo from Alpine rescue services shows where the ice glacier collapsed on the Dolomites region of the Italian Alps[/caption]