At least eight people killed and dozens trapped after two avalanches strike in the same place, killing rescuers

As reported by BBC News, officials say at least eight rescuers have been killed by an avalanche during an attempt to rescue the victims of a previous avalanche that had hit a Turkish mountainside the day prior.

Approximately 300 rescue workers had taken to the mountainside in the Bahcesaray in Van province in Turkey (located near the eastern border with Iran), in an attempt to rescue survivors of an earlier avalanche that hit the area on Tuesday. The first avalanche claimed the lives of five people.

The alarm was initially raised by a construction worker who was caught in the snow on Tuesday evening, but thankfully managed to escape.

However, earlier today (Wednesday), a second avalanche hit, killing a further eight rescuers.

Now, more than 50 people are believed to be trapped in vehicles in the area, with The Independent reporting another 15 people still buried beneath the snow. Reports say 25 people have been rescued and transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Photographs taken at the scene show people being carried away on stretchers.

Per ITV News, NTV television has reported, adding that fog and heavy snow were hampering the rescue efforts.

Mehmet Emin Bilmezhe, the governor of Van province, confirmed that rescue teams - including specially trained dogs - had been sent to the region to help free those trapped and clear the area.