Three people have been killed in a light aircraft crash after it collided with a northern mountain slope near the town of Leukerbad in the Swiss Alps on Tuesday, Sept. 15. The Cirrus SR22T took off from Sion Airport in the Rhone Valley at around 4pm local time, crashing just ten minutes. Authorities have said that the flight took off from Lugano Airport (LUG) before making a stop at Sion Airport (SIR). Its intended destination was Buochs Aerodrome, Nidwalden. The reason for the crash is currently unknown.
The Aftermath
Emergency teams from the Valais Rescue Organisation, as well as police, firefighters and three helicopters rushed to the scene but all three onboard had been killed. Witnesses reported seeing smoke and fire at the crash site, which prompted them to alert the police. A photo released by Valais Police shows smoke rising from the mountainside.
The UK Foreign Office has confirmed they are in contact with local authorities and supporting the victims’ families. A spokesperson for the Foreign Office said:
“Our thoughts remain with the families in this difficult time.”
Who were the victims?
One of the victims has been identified as Owain Davies, a prominent businessman from Carmarthenshire, Wales. The 55-year-old was managing director of engineering firm Amcanu. Efforts are ongoing to identify the two other victims, including another British national.
In a statement put out by Amcanu, Davies was described as:
“a real character – determined, strong-willed, spirited, reflective and immensely proud.”
They continued;
“Despite the considerable role Amcanu played in Owain’s life, his family was always at the centre of it. He was immensely proud of Aron and Ffion and deeply devoted to Michelle. He absolutely adored being a grandfather to Oakley and Albie.”
Davies was also a trustee for Wales Air Ambulance Charity who said:
“Owain was a valued colleague and friend, whose loyalty and generosity of spirit meant so much to us. He will be greatly missed.”
The Swiss Transportation Safety Board (SSTB) has begun an investigation into the cause of the accident, looking at flight conditions and mechanics. Valais Police and the Office of the Attorney General have also opened a criminal inquiry.
The area where the plane crashed, Leukerbad, is the largest thermal spa and wellness resort in the Alps, located in the canton of Valais.
Our thoughts at Travel Radar are with the victims and their friends and family.
