Valais Police has released a statement, which has been translated from French into English.

The statement read: “On Tuesday April 2, 2024, a helicopter crashed on Petit Combin. Three deaths and three injuries have been reported.

“Around 9:25 a.m., a B3 type helicopter crashed at the Petit Combin mountain landing site during a heliski drop-off. Having reached the summit part of this mountain culminating at 3,668 meters above sea level, for a reason that the investigation will have to determine, the aircraft slid down the northern slope.

“7 helicopters from Air-Glaciers, Air Zermatt and REGA converged on the site.

“In addition to the pilot, the helicopter was occupied by a mountain guide and his 4 clients. Two injured people were quickly treated before being airlifted to Sion hospital. A third person was subsequently also rescued.

“The three other occupants of the machine were unfortunately found lifeless.

“The SESE (Swiss Safety Investigation Service) has opened a safety investigation to determine the causes of the accident.

“The Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office (MPC), responsible for aviation accidents, is responsible for the criminal investigation in collaboration with fedpol and the Valais cantonal police.”