Avalanche in Courmayeur, people involved

(ANSA) - Aosta, March 2 - The Italian Alpine rescued launched an operation on Thursday amid fears that people may have been hit by an avalanche that took place at the Val Veny valley near the Aosta town of Courmayeur, sources said. Off-piste skiing is practised in the area of the avalanche, the sources said. A helicopter is being used as part of the search-and-rescue operation.