[Benjamin]

An avalanche in the US state of Colorado has killed five back-country snowboarders with a sixth surviving, according to officials.

The avalanche occurred between 13:00 (19:00 GMT) and 14:00 in Loveland Pass, near a ski area, and blocked a highway.

No information was given about the five people who died.

An eyewitness saw a fire engine and ambulances, one towing snowmobiles, heading towards the pass, and two search dogs in the area of the slide.

The pass, at an elevation of 11,990ft (3,655m), is popular among back-country skiers and snowboarders in the Rocky Mountains.

Sheriff Don Krueger said the avalanche had occurred near the Loveland Ski Area, but outside its boundaries, the Denver Post reports.

He said he believed everyone had been accounted for but could not be sure.

The Colorado Department of Transportation said the avalanche had closed Highway 6 at Loveland Pass and could not estimate when the pass would reopen.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-22236871