Hundreds killed, trapped by Afghan avalanche

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Avalanches hit the area around the Salang Tunnel, high in the Hindu Kush. [APTN]

Last Updated: Wed, 10 Feb 2010 21:04:00 +1100

An Afghan provincial governor says the death toll from an avalanche three days ago in northern Afghanistan has risen to 160.

Rescue workers continue to search for survivors along a mountain pass that was buried.

Days of heavy snow triggered the avalanche that engulfed the main route across the Hindu Kush mountain range, trapping three thousand people and injuring at least 84 people.

Afghanistan's Defence Minister says more than 2,000 people have been rescued while scores of other's are still buried under the snow.

There are fears that dozens of people are still buried under snow.

The Salang tunnel is the main route from the Afghan capital Kabul to the northern city of Mazar-e-Sharif.

Some of the victims were overcome by exhaust fumes in the tunnel, while others froze to death.

Avalanches in the area are not uncommon but these followed several days of heavy snow.