A helicopter in the Swiss Alps is taking part in a rescue operation after a crash on Tuesday. Photo: AFP
Popular Swiss ski resort Verbier is in “mourning” after three people died in a helicopter crash earlier this week, a prominent local British ski coach said.
Three British skiers barely survived one , Edward Courage pushed two brothers, Teddy and Guy Hutchings, from an Air Glaciers helicopter when it fell from the summit on Tuesday, causing a 500m avalanche.
Warren Smith, who appeared on BBC's The Jump, told The Telegraph said it was a “miracle” that the three Britons survived.
The other three people in the helicopter died. They included the pilot, local father-of-two Jerome Lavi, skier James Goff and their guide Adam George.
The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing, with authorities still working to recover the helicopter's black box. .
Three people in the helicopter were killed, including tour guide Adam George. Photo: Instagram
“It's all a little raw,” said Mr. Smith, who runs heli-skiing camps in Verbier and British Columbia, Canada.
“We haven't seen any technical information, so I can't comment on the cause of the crash.”
“We don't know what the hell happened. It was a bluebird day – blue sky, sun, fresh snow, light wind. Usually ideal conditions for heliskiing. But a couple of days ago there was very stormy weather with very strong winds and a lot of fresh snowfall.
“It is terrible, but I can say that it is a miracle that three survived. Survivors of a helicopter crash are rare.”
The brothers were discharged from the hospital. Mr. Courage remains in the intensive care unit awaiting surgery for various broken bones.
“We know this team,” Mr. Smith said. “Adam was an incredible guy. Many community members are families, friends and colleagues of those injured and killed. These families are the heart of our community.”
The group was on a one-day heliskiing trip aboard an Air Glaciers B3 helicopter. They were to be dropped at the top of Mount Petit Combin, a popular heli-skiing route in the Valais region near Verbier.
Mr Smith said he had been working with Air Glaciers, which organized the trip, for 20 years and that it's “super safe.”
“Personally, I've never seen any accidents. You know about them. But for 20 years we have not had a single incident. That's why I'm shocked. Air Glaciers pilots are among the most experienced helicopter pilots in the world.”
Local police said they were still investigating.
“Having reached the top of the mountain, which culminates at an altitude of 3,668 m above sea level, for reasons to be determined by the investigation, the plane slid down the northern slope,” the Valais cantonal police said in a statement.
The pilot, local father-of-two Jerome Lavi, was among the three killed. Photo: LinkedIn
Mr Courage, 68, from Verbier, has been hailed a “hero” for saving the lives of the Hutchings brothers.
George's funeral will take place on Monday near Verbier.
One skier from Verbier told The Telegraph: “I've been skiing with Adam on and off for 20 years, maybe more – both on the same route and with a helicopter landing. I have never met a better guide.
“He was as good as can be. The best of the best. Such was his reputation throughout Valais. You're lucky you were able to book it.”
The online fundraiser for Mr George was set up to help his widow Caroline George-Ware and 12-year-old daughter Olivia.< /p>
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