Three dead and three injured in helicopter crash in Valais
Published: Tuesday, Apr 2nd 2024, 17:50
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Three people died and three others were injured when a helicopter crashed in Lower Valais on Tuesday morning. The machine slid down the northern slope while heliskiing on the Petit Combin mountain landing site for reasons that are still unknown.
In addition to the pilot, the helicopter was carrying a mountain guide and his four customers, as the cantonal police reported in the afternoon. Two injured people received immediate medical treatment before being flown to the hospital in Sion. A third person was also rescued later.
The other three occupants of the plane could only be rescued dead. Seven helicopters from Air-Glaciers, Air Zermatt and Rega went to the scene to rescue the victims.
Air-Glaciers aircraft
The helicopter involved in the accident was an Air-Glaciers aircraft, as the company announced. "We are deeply saddened and indescribably affected by this event. Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the victims," Air-Glaciers wrote in a communiqué.
The 3663-metre-high Petit Combin, located between the Val de Bagnes and the Val d'Entremont, is a popular starting point for heli-skiing.
The Sust (Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board) launched an investigation to clarify the cause and course of the accident.
The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland (OAG), which is responsible for air accidents, is leading the criminal investigation in cooperation with the Federal Office of Police (fedpol) and the Valais cantonal police.
Already the third helicopter accident
Two helicopter accidents have already occurred in Valais this year. In mid-February, a pilot who was alone on board crashed and was injured in the Niouc area.
In mid-March, a helicopter crashed on a training ground in the municipality of Vétroz. One of the two occupants was slightly injured.
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