France floods: Three rescuers die as helicopter crashes near Marseille

Three rescue workers on a mission to help people caught in floods in southern France were killed when their helicopter crashed near Marseille.

The EC145 aircraft had been on a rescue and reconnaissance flight in the Var region on Sunday night when contact with it was lost, officials said.

The crashed helicopter and the three crew were found near the town of Rove. An investigation is under way.

Heavy rain in south-east France has led to severe flooding and several deaths.

In a statement, Interior Minister Christophe Castaner and his deputy, Laurent Nuñez, described the three victims as "everyday heroes who gave their lives to protect the French".

The crash site in hills north of Marseille has been sealed off as police and investigators combed the scene, French media reported.

Sources close to the investigation said poor visibility caused by fog could have been a factor.