200 Irish holidaymakers stranded by snow in French Alps
Up to 200 Irish holidaymakers are reportedly stranded at an airport in the French Alps because of heavy snow.
A number of roads across France have been closed after the country declared an orange weather alert yesterday in 19 regional departments.
Around 15,000 vehicles had to be abandoned in the Savoie region when roads leading to two of its main ski resorts became impassable.
The severe weather also caused the death of a 27-year-old man, whose car slid into a ravine in southeastern France.
The Irish group - who have been stuck at Chambery Airport for over 24 hours - had been travelling with Crystal Ski.
In a statement, the company said they had been working overnight with the airlines, airport and local authorities to arrange flights home today, either out of Chambery or surrounding airports.
The company said it had secured emergency flights out of Lyon Airport this evening, to a number of UK airports. If those were not the original departure airports, buses will be available to transport passengers onwards.
This afternoon's statement pic.twitter.com/MuebnZlgTJ
— Crystal Ski Holidays (@crystalski) December 28, 2014
Around 15,000 vehicles stuck in French Alps as heavy snow hits roads leading to ski resorts http://t.co/Uy6l1yLPB3 pic.twitter.com/zu3a0huGdY
— Sky News (@SkyNews) December 28, 2014
