Helicopter and small plane collide in Austria's air space, killing 7

A helicopter and a small plane collided in the air and crashed near a ski slope in Austria, killing at least seven people, police said.

Five Swiss nationals, a German citizen and a French citizen died in the late-morning collision that occurred near Zell am See, in Salzburg province, police said. The seven victims were all in the helicopter, which belonged to a Swiss company and was on its way to Germany, police said.

Police declined to confirm reports that the pilot of the plane had also died in the accident, saying only that the person had not yet been found, the AP said.

Wreckage was scattered in a wooded area, according to Austrian broadcaster ORF.

The Austria Press Agency reported that, in the early afternoon, about 200 people were involved in the rescue effort.