Three Dead & Three Injured in Helicopter Crash Near Verbier

3rd April 2024

Last modified on April 4th, 2024

The accident happened on the Petit Combin across the valley from the Swiss resort as a British group was on a heli-skiing trip.UPDATED

At around 9.25am on Tuesday a B3 helicopter crashed while taking people heli-skiing.

“The machine slipped into the northern slope at the summit of the 3,668 meter high mountain for reasons that are not yet clear,” said the local police in a statement.

It then plunged down the mountainside and was consumed in an avalanche.

There was reported to be little wind at the time and favourable weather conditions.

The three survivors are bothers, Teddy and Guy Hiichens, and a British Verbier resident, Edward Courage.

It is reported that Mr Courage pushed the two boys out of the helicopter before jumping out himself.

A mountain guide, Adam George, died along with another heli-skier, James Goff, and the pilot, Jerome Lovey.

Seven helicopters from Air Glaciers, Air Zermatt and REGA went to the scene.

The two bothers were able to receive immediate medical care before being flown to Sion Hospital.

Edward Courage was rescued later.

The other three people were pronounced dead at the scene.

The route is a popular one with a helicopter usually taking off from Verbier and heading across the valley on a short flight.

People then ski to the valley floor and are collected by a local taxi at the end of the day.

The Swiss Safety Investigation Board has begun an investigation into the cause of the accident.

The Federal Prosecutor’s Office (BA), which is responsible for aviation accidents, is leading the criminal investigation in collaboration with the Valais cantonal police.

The helicopter was run by Air Glaciers.

It said to local media “We are deeply shocked by this event. Our thoughts are with the families and relatives of the victims.”

There have been several fatal accidents in the Swiss mountains in recent weeks: