A light aircraft crashed high in the Swiss Alps near the town of Leukerbad, killing three people, including two Britons. The accident happened on Tuesday when the Cirrus SR22T went down after colliding with a mountain slope about 10 minutes after taking off from Sion airport in the Rhône Valley.
The aircraft hit the mountain for unknown reasons. Witnesses reported seeing a fire and smoke at the scene. Emergency teams from the Valais Rescue Organisation, police and firefighters responded with three helicopters.
The Crash Site and Response
The crash site sits high in the mountains near Leukerbad, in the southern canton of Valais. The rescue organisation, police and firefighters worked together at the scene, supported by three helicopters.
The Swiss Transportation Safety Board has started an investigation into the crash. The Valais Police and the Office of the Attorney General have also launched a separate inquiry. Formal identification of the victims is under way.
The Victims
The two Britons were among the three people killed. The identities of all three have not yet been confirmed publicly. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) confirmed it was “providing support to the families of two British nationals who died in Switzerland”.
“Our thoughts remain with the families during this difficult time,” the FCDO added.
The investigation into the cause of the crash is still ongoing. No cause has been determined at this stage.
Timeline of Events
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| Aircraft takes off from Sion airport | — |
| Collision with mountain slope | About 10 minutes after takeoff |
| Fire and smoke reported by witnesses | At the scene |
| Helicopters dispatched | Sent to the scene |
| Investigation begins | Started by the Transportation Safety Board |
The timeline shows a rapid sequence of events. The aircraft left Sion airport, struck the mountain within 10 minutes, and witnesses saw the fire shortly after.
What We Know and What Remains Unknown
The key facts are straightforward:
- Three people died, including two Britons
- The aircraft was a Cirrus SR22T
- It took off from Sion airport in the Rhône Valley
- It collided with a mountain slope about 10 minutes later
- Witnesses reported seeing a fire and smoke
- The Transportation Safety Board is investigating
- The Valais Police and the Attorney General’s office are also looking into the crash
- Identification of the victims is under way
What remains unknown is the cause of the collision. The authorities have not released details about weather conditions, pilot actions or any other factors that might explain why the aircraft struck the mountain.
Reaction to the Crash
The FCDO’s statement offered condolences to the families of the two British nationals. The office said officials were in contact with local authorities.
“Our thoughts remain with the families during this difficult time,” the statement said.
The tone of the statement reflects the gravity of the situation. The families of the victims are dealing with a sudden loss, and the investigation is likely to take time.
For now, the mountain that claimed the aircraft stands as a witness to the tragedy, and the investigation will continue.
See the a run of 39 images at the BBC.
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