Emeric Ossatte, a 39-year-old man, survived being swept away by an avalanche and buried in a crevasse in the Savoie department of France. After spending 35 hours trapped under snow, he was rescued on Monday by the CRS Alps rescue team. Ossatte suffered a fractured femur and frostbite on his feet. [1]
The accident occurred on Sunday in the Ambin valley. Ossatte had spent the night in a refuge before hiking up a snowy slope when a snow slab detached. He was carried by the avalanche into a crevasse, where he became partially buried. With only one arm free, he took two hours to dig himself out, discovering the leg fracture once he freed his second leg. [1]
Ossatte attempted to contact rescue services multiple times but failed due to a lack of cellular network. He remained in the cavity, hoping his disappearance would be reported. He feared that worsening weather conditions would halt search efforts if he was not found by Monday. Helicopters initially failed to locate him because the snow muffled his calls. Rescuers finally heard him after clearing part of the crevasse. [1]
Despite the severe ordeal and upcoming rehabilitation, Ossatte expressed his desire to return to the mountains. He thanked the rescue teams for their persistence and advised others to check weather forecasts, understand mountain risks, undergo training, and remain vigilant when accessing alpine areas. [1]
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