Three dead after medical helicopter crash in southwestern Japan

A medical helicopter heading to Fukuoka crashed into the sea, leaving three dead and three others rescued with hypothermia.

At least three people, including a patient and two others, have died after a medical helicopter crashed into the sea in southwestern Japan.

The coast guard deployed two planes and three ships for the rescue operation.

Three others, including the pilot and two medical personnel, were rescued by the coast guard after being found in the water clinging to inflatable lifesavers.

Officials said the survivors suffered from hypothermia but were conscious.

According to the coast guard, the helicopter was en route to a hospital in Fukuoka from an airport in Nagasaki prefecture when it crashed.

The cause of the accident is still under investigation.

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