A devastating avalanche struck the Tiroler Alps near Sölden on Monday morning, claiming the lives of two skiers and injuring another.

The victims, part of a six-member group led by a local mountain guide, were swept into a glacier crevasse in the Schalfkogel area.

Despite a large-scale rescue operation involving helicopters and mountain rescue teams, the two skiers could not be saved.

The third individual was rescued with minor injuries and flown to a hospital.

The avalanche occurred despite a low avalanche risk level of 2 on a 5-point scale.

Authorities are still investigating the exact circumstances of the tragedy.