Dozens Feared Dead After Massive Avalanche Hit Italian Hotel - Reports

Up to 30 people are feared to be dead after a massive avalanche hit an Italian hotel in the eastern region of Italy, according to local media reports citing rescue workers.

"There are many dead," Antonio Crocetta, a member of the regional rescue force, told the local ANSA news agency.

The search and rescue operation is ongoing. The number of casualties has not been established yet.

Russian Association of Tour Operators issued a statement confirming that there were no Russian nationals present in the hotel.

The avalanche occurred at the base of the Gran Sasso mountain range on Wednesday, wreaking havoc at the Rigopiano di Farindola hotel.

There were more than 30 guests and staff at the Rigopiano hotel when the snow came down on it, partially collapsing the building, the outlet said. Two people are said to have managed to escape and were taken to safety.

Earlier that day, a series of four earthquakes shook central Italy. The magnitude of the earthquakes ranged between 5.1 and 5.7. Italian authorities issued an avalanche warning following the three quakes.

Map of the main earthquakes which hit #Italy yesterday. We hope we won't have to update it anytime soon! pic.twitter.com/Fg64AtTpfJ

— EMSC (@LastQuake) January 19, 2017

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