Five members of mountain rescue team killed in French Alps helicopter crash
A sixth person was seriously injured in the crash and is fighting for his life, according to the French president.
Wednesday 9 December 2020 16:26, UK
Five people have died in a helicopter crash in the French Alps and a sixth person remains seriously injured and is fighting for his life, French President Emmanuel Macron has said.
The mountain rescue helicopter was on a training mission in Savoie and was carrying an air crew when it went down at an altitude of 1,800 metres (5,905ft), local authorities said.
The aircraft pilot, who was joined by an additional pilot, two winch operators and two mountain rescue workers, was able to send out an urgent alert.
Three rescue helicopters were sent out but were unable to access the accident site due to fog.
Meanwhile other rescue teams went out but through ground means.
France's air accident bureau has announced it will investigate the crash and dispatch a team to the area.
Mr Macron tweeted that those on board were "heroes".
He added: "To save lives, they take all the risks."