Avalanche in Longyearbyen: child confirmed dead

Tragic news from the avalanche yesterday in Longyearbyen: one of the children that were brought to the university hospital in Tromsø yesterday died today. The two other children are less severely injured.

The death toll of the avalanche thus rises to two: 42 years old Atle Husby and a child. Atle Husby’s name was published today after approval by his family.

The evacuation of many houses on Longyearbyen’s eastern side, near the mountain Sukkertoppen and in Nybyen, will be kept for an uncertain period until further notice. About 180 persons are currently not able to return to their homes. An extra flight was operated today evening to give people an opportunity to get to their families in mainland Norway and elsewhere. People directly affected by the avalanche could get a free seat.

Source: Sysselmannen