Austrian plane, helicopter collision kills 8

VIENNA, March 5 (Reuters) Eight people were killed today when a light plane and a helicopter collided near the Austrian ski resort of Zell am See, authorities said.

The transport helicopter had seven people aboard, local Red Cross spokesman Gerhard Huber said, and all were killed in the crash as well as the plane's pilot.

The plane had no passengers, according to an employee of Zell am See airport where it had taken off.

Weather conditions had been excellent and the cause of the crash was not immediately clear, Huber said.

The Super Puma D-HLOG helicopter was owned by Swiss company Helog-Heliswiss AG and the local government said it was on its way to the German town of Berchtesgaden.

The crash happened at an altiude of 1,000 metres and debris was scattered over a wide area.

REUTERS PDM PM1935