Three dead of avalanche at a ski center in Russia

Through a statement, this minister announced that 242 persons and 29 vehicles were involved in the search operation. As a result of research, the lifeless bodies of two adults and a child were found. A 14-year-old boy has been sent to the hospital because of injuries.

On images published by media there are emergency workers and volunteers facing strong wind and cold weather at night while searching in buildings covered with snow and ice.

The investigative committee said it has sent officials to the scene, located about 300km within the Arctic Circle, Reuters writes.

This body has started investigating whether the owners of the buildings had taken adequate security measures or not. The owners of four snow - covered buildings are still unknown.

Manager officials at the Gora Otdelnaya complex said the avalanche covered an area of 300 square metres.

The northern part of Russia has long, severe winters, with heavy snowfalls and very low temperatures, making the area highly inappropriate for housing.