Avalanche in Pirin Mountain close to Bansko, one person dies

An avalanche has fallen in Pirin Mountain close to Bansko ski resort and has buried people. The Mountain Rescue Service has reported that one of the buried people - a 25-year-old snowboarder - has died. Two others - a snowboarder and a skier - were injured. All were wearing avalanche beacons, the Focus agency reported.

According to initial information, the huge snow mass was caused by freeride skiers  who were descending one of the chutes on Mount Todorka towards the Vihren hut above Bansko.

A group of 7 rescuers with a dog immediately headed to the scene, reported Keti Trencheva from BNR-Blagoevgrad.

Due to the higher temperatures in recent days, the conditions for skiing outside the ski area in Bansko are risky and there is a high risk of avalanches, the mountain rescuers warned.