Rescue helicopter crashes in central Italy, 6 killed
At least six people have been killed in an emergency response helicopter crash in central Italy, where rescuers are grappling with the aftermath of devastating earthquakes and ensuing avalanches.
Police said on Tuesday that the helicopter, which was on a mission to evacuate an injured skier, crashed in mountains near Campo Felice, a resort located about 120 kilometers east of the Italian capital, Rome.
The police said based on reports it had received from the crash site all those killed were on board the helicopter.
"The area where it came down is hard to access at the best of times, and thick fog is making it even more difficult," a police spokesman said, adding that rescue teams were trying to get to the crash site.
The police said it had received reports of a loud explosion in the area and that the helicopter had issued crash signals.
Italy's civil protection agency spokesman, Luigi D'Angelo, said the copter was flying an injured skier to the Abruzzo regional capital of L'Aquila when it crashed over the slopes. He added that unconfirmed information indicated there were six or seven people aboard.
Campo Felice, a popular resort frequented by day-trippers from Rome, is located close to the epicenters of recent earthquakes and avalanches. Emergency operations have been underway involving firefighters, mountain police and other services to deal with the aftermath of the quakes and heavy snowfalls, which have been described as the harshest Italy has seen in decades.
Last week, avalanches swamped a hotel on the other side of Monte Gran Sasso, the 3,000-meter peak that dominates the region. Officials have rejected any links between the quakes and avalanches.
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