SOFIA, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- A snowboarder was killed, and a skier sustained injuries on Friday in an avalanche near Bulgaria's largest ski resort, Bansko, the Mountain Rescue Service (MRS) reported in a statement.
The incident, involving three individuals, was reported to the MRS shortly before 3 p.m. local time (1300 GMT). Rescue teams reached the site within approximately 15 minutes, the statement said.
According to the MRS, two snowboarders and a skier were caught in an avalanche in one of the mountain gullies. One of the snowboarders managed to stay out of the avalanche field and escaped unharmed. He located the skier, who was partially buried, and began digging him out. The skier suffered minor head injuries, severe back and chest pain, and was in shock, the MRS added.
Rescue teams later discovered the missing snowboarder, who had been dragged over a rock ledge. Unfortunately, the individual showed no signs of life, the statement confirmed.
The MRS warned that recent higher temperatures have heightened the avalanche risk, especially for those skiing outside marked ski areas.
