Irish man among three who died following Swiss Alps helicopter crash

In this handout photo provided by Kantonspolizei Wallis via Keystone, Rescue helicopters stand on the mountain landing site of the Petit Combin summit in Valais, Switzerland, Tuesday, April 2, 2024. Picture: KANTONSPOLIZEI WALLIS/Keystone via AP

An Irish man is among three people who have died following a helicopter crash in the Swiss Alps.

The helicopter crashed while dropping off skiers on the Petit Combin mountain on Tuesday. Three others have also been injured.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed it is aware of the case. 

In a statement to the Irish Examiner, a spokesperson said: "The Department of Foreign Affairs is aware of the case and stands ready to provide consular assistance."

On Tuesday, a B3-type helicopter crashed at the Petit Combin mountain landing site during a drop-off.

The helicopter, carrying the pilot, a mountain guide and four clients, slid off the landing zone down the mountain.

Seven rescue helicopters responded to the crash and three of the people on board, including the Irish man, were found dead.

Two injured people were treated on the mountain before being airlifted to hospital, while the third surviving occupant was also rescued.

Swiss authorities have opened an investigation to determine the cause of the accident.

- Additional reporting by PA