The Hotel Was Destroyed
The avalanche was estimated by Italian authorities to weigh between 40,000 and 60,000 tonnes. As the snow grew heavier, this number increased to 120,000 tonnes. The speed upon the impact to the hotel was around 100 km/h.
Facebook/Hotel Rigopiano
The hotel was largely destroyed on impact, making it very difficult for rescue workers to reach those still trapped underneath the rubble. The hotel was completely buried under four metres of thick ice and snow. Chances of survival for anyone underneath were very unlikely.