10 Survivors Found in Rubble of Italy Hotel Buried by Avalanche: Reports

Hotel Rigopiano on the Gran Sasso mountain was buried under snow.

ByABC News
January 20, 2017, 4:05 PM

— -- Ten people were found alive today in the rubble of an Italian hotel that collapsed after being buried by an avalanche, according to local media reports.

Five of the 10 have been pulled out from the Hotel Rigopiano on the Gran Sasso mountain, according to a statement from the civil protection department. Four of the survivors were children.

The others were located by rescuers and are expected to be extracted.

Two of those rescued are the wife and son of a man who had called for help when the avalanche hit. The family was reunited today at the hospital and are said to be in good condition.

Italy Hotel Buried by Avalanche After Earthquakes

1 of 21
Three puppies stay close to each other at the Hotel Rigopiano a day before an avalanche buried the hotel, on Jan. 17, 2017. Rescue crews say they have found three puppies alive in the rubble.
Marisa Basilavecchia via AP Photo
    PHOTO: A handout picture made available by the Italian Fire Department shows emergency workers rescuing guests at the hotel Rigopiano, Jan. 20, 2017, which was hit by a massive avalanche in central Italy.
    A handout picture made available by the Italian Fire Department shows emergency workers rescuing guests at the hotel Rigopiano, Jan. 20, 2017, which was hit by a massive avalanche in central Italy.

    The avalanche at Hotel Rigopiano, about 30 miles from the coastal city of Pescara, occurred after a series of earthquakes shook central Italy on Wednesday.

    Authorities believed about 30 people were inside when the avalanche struck.

    PHOTO: Italian rescuers gather in the town of Farindola, Italy as they make their way to the site of an avalanche that engulfed the Hotel Rigopiano, Jan. 20, 2017.
    Italian rescuers gather in the town of Farindola, Italy as they make their way to the site of an avalanche that engulfed the Hotel Rigopiano, Jan. 20, 2017.
    PHOTO: A vehicle is covered in snow in the town of Farindola, Italy from an avalanche that engulfed the Hotel Rigopiano, Jan. 20, 2017.
    A vehicle is covered in snow in the town of Farindola, Italy from an avalanche that engulfed the Hotel Rigopiano, Jan. 20, 2017. At least 25 people, including several children, were feared dead after a barrage of snow hit the Hotel Rigopiano on Januray 18, afternoon, ripping the three-storey building from its foundations and moving it ten metres (11 yards). / AFP PHOTO / FILIPPO MONTEFORTEFILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP/Getty Images

    The snow pushed through the windows of the four-star hotel, shattering glass, blocking rooms and stopping rescuers from getting inside.

    Rescue teams were initially blocked by fallen trees and heavy snow, but finally reached the hotel by helicopter and by foot.

    Related Topics

    ABC News Live

    ABC News Live

    24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events