Two Britons among three killed in plane crash at popular Swiss resort

A Welsh businessman has been named as one of the three people killed after a light aircraft crashed in a popular resort in the Swiss Alps.

Owain Davies was managing director of engineering firm Amcanu, in Burry Port, Carmarthenshire, west Wales.

Amcanu paid tribute to the grandfather-of-two, saying he was "determined, strong-willed, spirited, reflective and immensely proud".

Mr Davies was one of the two Britons reported to have died after a Cirrus SR22T aircraft crashed on the north slope of a mountain in the Loeche-les-Bains resort - also known as Leukerbad - in the southern state of Valais just after 4pm on Tuesday, police said.

Mr Davies' company said he had been travelling as a passenger with two of his closest friends at the time of the crash.

The single-engine aircraft had departed from Lugano, southern Switzerland, before making a stop in Sion, the capital of Valais, and then heading to Buochs in the Nidwalden state in central Switzerland.

Emergency services went to the scene with three helicopters and two rescue specialists, and found the three victims who had died.

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Police, firefighters from Loeche-les-Bains and Sion airport, and the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB) were also deployed. Witnesses reported seeing a "significant" amount of smoke.

In a statement, Amcanu said it was announcing Mr Davies' death "with the heaviest of hearts".

The company described Mr Davies as a husband, son, father-of-two, and grandfather-of-two "above all else".

"Where others might see something daunting or difficult, Owain's instinct was to work out what could be done and then get on with it," Amcanu said.

"Occasionally that determination could make him seem a little brash, but behind it was a deeply caring person who genuinely wanted the best for his family, his employees, his business and his community.

"Owain's strength of character earned him enormous respect and admiration."

The company added that Mr Davies "loved flying" and was an experienced pilot who would fly his helicopter when the opportunity arose.

The STSB has launched an investigation into the causes of the incident.

A criminal investigation was also launched by the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland and local Valais police.

A Foreign Office spokesperson said: "We are providing support to the families of two British nationals who died in Switzerland and are in contact with the local authorities.

"Our thoughts remain with the families during this difficult time."

Loeche-les-Bains is the largest alpine thermal spa destination in the Alps, according to the resort's website.

It is also a popular hiking, skiing, climbing and mountain biking destination.

The resort is about 93 miles (150km) from Lausanne and 39 miles (62km) from Bern.

(c) Sky News 2026: Two Britons among three killed in plane crash at popular Swiss resort