At least eight people have died in an avalanche in Tibet. The accident happened in the city of Nyingchi in southwest Tibet, as reported by the state news agency Xinhua, citing the local security office.

The exit of a motorway tunnel was blocked by the falling snow and ice masses. People were trapped with their vehicles. It was unclear whether the eight victims died in the tunnel or were buried outside. No further information was initially given on the status of the rescue work. It was also unclear whether people were still missing.