STORY: Numerous rescuers, emergency vehicles and helicopters took part in a rescue operation in the Austrian town of St. Anton am Arlberg on Friday (February 20) after an avalanche buried five people, killing three and injuring two, local police said.

One of the injured was treated locally, while the other suffered serious injuries. Police said further information about the victims’ identities was not immediately available, adding that several avalanches had occurred in the area on the same day.

According to the Tyrol region’s avalanche warning service, the area is experiencing an unusually long avalanche season. Fresh snowfall, strong winds and an unstable snowpack have created a high avalanche risk across large parts of the region.

St. Anton am Arlberg is a popular destination for skiers due to its extensive skiing infrastructure.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

SHOWS: ST ANTON AM ARLBERG, AUSTRIA (FEBRUARY 20, 2026) (EXTREMWETTER TV - Broadcast: No use Germany. Digital: Access all)

1. VARIOUS OF RESCUE PERSONNEL PREPARING, RESCUE VEHICLE/ MOUNTAINS

2. RESCUE HELICOPTER RISING

3. RESCUE PERSONNEL ON THE STREET

4. RESCUE VEHICLE

5. HELICOPTER FLYING

6. RESCUE VEHICLE NEAR RESIDENTIAL AREA

7. VARIOUS OF RESCUE PERSONNEL ON STREET

8. VARIOUS OF HELICOPTER FLYING

9. VEHICLES/MOUNTAINS

10. HELICOPTER FLYING