Three Killed In Helicopter Crash Near Verbier

A heli-skiing expedition near the popular resort town of Verbier, Switzerland, turned deadly yesterday after a helicopter carrying tourists and a mountain guide crashed.

The incident occurred around 9:25 am local time on Tuesday, April 2nd. The B3 type helicopter, operated by Air Glaciers, was reportedly landing at the summit of the 3,668-meter Petit Combin peak when it "slipped off" and slid down the north slope, according to Valais police.

In a statement the locak police said:

"On Tuesday, April 2, 2024, a helicopter crashed at Petit Combin. Three people lost their lives and three others were injured.

At around 9:25 a.m., a B3 helicopter crashed while heli-skiing on the mountain airfield of Petit Combin. As a result, the machine slipped into the northern slope at the summit of the 3,668 meter high mountain for reasons that are not yet clear.

Seven helicopters from Air Glaciers, Air Zermatt and REGA went to the scene.

In addition to the pilot, the helicopter was crewed by a mountain guide and his four customers. Two injured people were able to receive immediate medical care before being flown to Sitten Hospital. A third person was also rescued later.

The other three occupants of the machine could only be rescued lifeless.

The SUST (Swiss Safety Investigation Board) initiated an investigation to clarify the cause of the accident."

The Federal Prosecutor's Office (BA), which is responsible for aviation accidents, is leading the criminal investigation in collaboration with fedpol and the Valais cantonal police.

Seven helicopters from Air Glaciers, Air Zermatt, and REGA were deployed for a swift rescue operation. Sadly, three people on board the helicopter died in the crash. The three remaining individuals - the pilot, a mountain guide, and a skier - sustained injuries and were airlifted to Sion Hospital. The extent of their injuries remains unknown.

"We are deeply shocked by this event," said a spokesperson for Air Glaciers, who also participated in the rescue efforts. "Our thoughts are with the families and relatives of the victims."

The tragic accident has cast a shadow over the heli-skiing community. Swiss authorities are currently investigating the cause of the crash, which may take some time to determine.