(CNN)Avalanche in the Italian Alpskilled at least 6 people and injured another 8 .. 9}, CNN affiliate Skytg24 quoted first responders on Sunday.
Skytg24 also reported that at least 12 people were missing after the collapse of Marmolada, the highest mountain in the Dolomites, citing rescuers.
Alpine Rescue Service said on Twitter that an important part of the ice, also known as shellac, collapsed on the Marmolada Glacier along the climb to the summit.
It also states that all Alpine rescue stations in the area, including dog troops and at least five helicopters, have been activated.
Staff at the local inn Castilioni Marmolada Refuge witnessed the collapse of shellac and told Skytg24 that "a kind of avalanche occurred after hearing the loud noise typical of a landslide. I saw you do it. " I realized something serious had happened in the snow and ice.
The collapse also occurred in record local temperatures, and Skytg24 reported that it reached about 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit) at the top of the mountain.
Many parts of Western Europe, including Italy, experienced long heat waves last month.
