At least six people were dead after an avalanche in the mountains drove large pieces of melting glaciers toward tourists.
The accident in the Punta Rocca on Dolomite peak Marmolada in Italy also left eight injured and ten still missing, with five helicopters and K9 units searching the area.
All tourists were rushed off the mountain as authorities confirmed the risk of more collapses as the temperatures hit 50F (10C).
Alpine rescue spokesperson Walter Milan told state TV that the heat wave baking the country since late last month could also be a contributor.
Five helicopters and dog units were sent to comb the area for survivors, the Italian newspaper Repubblica reported.
A witness also told the newspaper: “We heard a very loud noise, then we saw the snow and ice avalanche.
Tourist Reinhold Messner also said: “The ice there is almost all gone, there is none.
“These seracs fall, of course, due to gravity, but the real cause is global warming, which causes glaciers to melt and makes it more likely that a serac will come off.”
According to reports, mountain rescuers have been activated.
Regional Councilor for Civil Protection Gianpaolo Bottacin also said: “I am in contact with the Head of the Civil Protection Department Fabrizio Curcio, to keep him informed, and with the Head of the Alpine Rescue Delegation Alex Barattin.”
“For the Venetian side, the 2 helicopters of the Suem 118 of the Ulss of Belluno are already operational,” Bottacin continued.
“Also one of the helicopters of the Veneto Region Civil Protection to transport teams of mountain rescuers with canine units to the place.
“All the mountain rescue teams in the area have been activated. The first injured have already been recovered.”
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