Two British nationals are among three people killed after a light aircraft crashed in the Swiss Alps.

The Cirrus SR22T took off from Sion airport in the Rhône Valley on Tuesday before colliding with a mountain slope approximately 10 minutes later. The crash occurred near the town of Leukerbad in the southern canton of Valais.

Authorities said the cause of the crash remains unknown. Witnesses reported seeing fire and smoke at the scene.

Emergency teams from the Valais Rescue Organisation, police, and firefighters were deployed to the site, along with three helicopters.

The Swiss Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation into the incident. The Valais Police and the Office of the Attorney General have also opened a separate inquiry.

Formal identification of the victims is under way.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed it was "providing support to the families of two British nationals who died in Switzerland." Officials said they were in contact with local authorities.

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