PETIT COMBIN - An helicopter crashed this Tuesday morning against the north face of Petit Combin in the upper Val de Bagnes, Switzerland. Three people lost their lives in the accident and three survived.

The aircraft, a type B3, crashed at the mountain landing spot Petit Combin during a heli-ski drop-off. Upon reaching the summit of this mountain, which peaks at 3,668 meters altitude, the helicopter slid down the north slope for a reason that the investigation will have to determine.

The helicopter was occupied by the pilot, a mountain guide, and four clients. Two injured individuals were quickly taken care of before being airlifted to Sion Hospital. A third person was later rescued as well. The three other occupants of the aircraft were found deceased, the police stated.

Two helicopter accidents have already occurred this year in Valais. In mid-February, in the Niouc region, a lone pilot crashed and was injured. In mid-March, a helicopter crashed on a training ground in the municipality of Vétroz. One of the two occupants was slightly injured.