In pictures: Europe's big chill

Much of Europe has been thrown into chaos as a record chill grips the region, claiming at least 17 lives, wreaking havoc on roads and shutting down airports. Here a Milanese struggles to free his car.

The chill claimed seven more lives by Wednesday, adding to a toll of at least 10 dead from previous days. The south of France is blanketed in snow.

Fears deepened after Russia shut off all gas supplies to Europe through Ukraine, leaving 12 countries short of fuel in freezing conditions. Hungary is among those hit.

The mercury has plunged to record lows in parts of Germany. A weather station in the eastern state of Saxony said the coldest spot was -27.7C (-18.4F).

Some 40cm of snow fell in just a few hours in France's normally sunny Marseille region, closing the airport, snarling traffic and disrupting trains, but some residents enjoyed the unusual weather.

Flights were cancelled at Milan's two airports, as northern Italy was blanketed with snow, closing several schools in the area for the second day in a row.

People in the Balkans were especially badly hit. In Bulgaria, thousands were left shivering in their homes without central heating after Russian gas supplies were cut.

In Bosnia, small entrepreneurs have started selling wood and coal by the roadside to help people ward off the chill.

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