Three Britons – two women and a man – were among nine climbers killed by an avalanche in the French Alps yesterday, close to the popular French resort of Chamonix.
One of the victim’s was one of the UK’s most respected climbers, Roger Payne, a mountain guide and former general secretary of the British Mountaineering Council.
Two Spaniards, one German and one Swiss were among those who died trying to climb Mont Maudit, the third highest peak in the Mont Blanc massif.
Two Britons, including climber Dave Compton, were also feared missing, but were confirmed safe and well after presenting themselves to police in Chamonix last night.
Nine people were taken to hospital in Sallanches with minor injuries.
The climbers were among a group of 28 who had set off from a mountain hut in an attempt to reach the summit at 4,465metres.
Some of the climbers were being led by an experienced guide but others were climbing independently, said a spokeswoman for the region.
The British ambassador to France was travelling from Paris to the region today to offer support to families of the victims.
An avalanche on the same slopes claimed eight lives four years ago.
By Linsey McNeill
