PARIS—Three rescuers died in a helicopter crash during a mission in southern France, Interior Minister Christophe Castaner said early on Monday.
A pilot, an engineer and a firefighter were on board the helicopter of Bouches-du-Rhone's SDIS, the civilian fire service, the country's Civil Defence said.
They were heading towards Le Luc in southeastern France for a reconnaissance and rescue mission when radio connection with the helicopter was lost, the Interior Ministry said.
The helicopter and the three occupants were found at 1:30 am (0030 GMT) near the town of Rove, a few kilometres north-west of Marseille.
"An investigation will determine the exact circumstances of this tragedy," the statement read.
Southeastern France was facing the renewed threat of flooding, according to weather service Meteo France.
The region was plunged into chaos just over a week ago due to heavy storms, with roads blocked, and the train service temporarily suspended between the holiday resort city of Nice and the port town of Toulon.
At least six people were killed and numerous towns were affected by flooding.
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