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Helicopter crashes in French Alps, five killed

File photo of a Service Aerien Francais (SAF) helicopter

A helicopter crash in the French Alps left five people dead on Tuesday and a sixth in critical condition, French President Emmanuel Macron said.

"They take all the risks to save lives," Macron said. "This evening in Savoie three members of the French Air Rescue and two members of the Service Aerien Francais (SAF) were killed in a helicopter crash. Another injured survivor is fighting for their life. Support from the nation to the families, friends and colleagues of these French heroes."

The helicopter was carrying an air rescue crew on a training mission when it went down at an altitude of 1,800 meters (5,905 feet), local authorities said.

The pilot of the aircraft, which also had another pilot on board as well as two winch operators and two mountain rescue workers, was able to eject and give the alert.

French Prime Minister Jean Castex also tweeted his support for the victims.

Three helicopters were dispatched but had been unable to reach the accident site due to fog while rescue teams were also trying to approach by ground, the Savoie prefecture said in a statement.

France’s air accident bureau said separately that it had opened an investigation and would dispatch a team to the site.

(Source: Agencies)


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