Six French climbers died in a fall on France’s Mont Blanc after a night of snow and wind on western Europe’s tallest mountain.

August is the height of the climbing season on Mont Blanc, where even in the warmest months storms can strike quickly.

High winds buffeted the area where the group fell, said Jean-Baptiste Estachy, head of the Mont Blanc rescue squad.

Mr Estachy said five bodies were found yesterday morning and the sixth victim was later pulled out from the bottom of a crevasse.

The group included five experienced climbers and a guide.

An investigation to uncover the exact cause of the accident is under way.

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