The death toll from avalanches that hit Austria on Friday has risen to five after one of the injured died in hospital, authorities said. According to Tyrolean police, two people were swept away by an avalanche in the ski resort of St. Anton am Arlberg and later found dead. Three other people were pulled alive from the snow, but one of them later died in hospital from his injuries. Authorities have not released the identities, ages or nationalities of the victims.

In a separate incident in Klösterle, a 39-year-old Swiss man died while snowboarding with a 47-year-old German man. According to police, the 39-year-old was swept away by an avalanche about 250 meters from his partner and buried under the snow, while the 47-year-old escaped without injury.

Another tragic event was recorded in Nauders, where a 42-year-old German man died after being swept away by an avalanche while skiing off-piste with his 16-year-old son. The minor was rescued with serious injuries and sent for medical treatment.

Austrian authorities have warned of a high risk of avalanches in several Alpine regions, urging skiers and tourists to avoid areas outside marked slopes and follow safety instructions.