Four mountaineers died in the Alps, five in critical condition

Swiss police said four mountaineers were killed in the Alps and five were in critical condition after they were trapped overnight by an unexpected snowstorm accompanied by strong winds. The authorities of the canton of Vale sent seven helicopters early this morning to rescue 14 mountaineers from France, Germany and Italy. The climbers were surprised by the strong wind, snow storm and cold and had to spend the night outdoors, according to the police. Several rescued mountaineers were in a state of hypothermia, and three died in hospital.