10 Survivors Found in Rubble of Italy Hotel Buried by Avalanche: Reports

Ten people were found alive today in the rubble of an Italian hotel that collapsed after being buried by an avalanche, according to local media reports.

Five of the 10 have been pulled out from the Hotel Rigopiano on the Gran Sasso mountain, according to a statement from the civil protection department. Four of the survivors were children.

The others were located by rescuers and are expected to be extracted.

Two of those rescued are the wife and son of a man who had called for help when the avalanche hit. The family was reunited today at the hospital and are said to be in good condition.

The avalanche at Hotel Rigopiano, about 30 miles from the coastal city of Pescara, occurred after a series of earthquakes shook central Italy on Wednesday.

Authorities believed about 30 people were inside when the avalanche struck.

The snow pushed through the windows of the four-star hotel, shattering glass, blocking rooms and stopping rescuers from getting inside.

Rescue teams were initially blocked by fallen trees and heavy snow, but finally reached the hotel by helicopter and by foot.