One Fatality, One Injured Japanese Tiremaker Employees

Three people were killed and two injured when a helicopter, type unknown, went down outside of Magny-Cours while carrying tire manufacturer Bridgestone personnel and others from the French Formula One Grand Prix racing circuit to Castel Donzy in central France Saturday.

One of the fatalities and one of the injured were Bridgestone employees and the other injured person was a relative of the injured employee. Bridgestone expressed their "shock and sadness" in the wake of the accident, according to Fox Sports.

"A helicopter left Magny-Cours circuit on Saturday evening at approximately 19:15 hrs, with the believed destination of Castel Donzy. The helicopter failed to arrive at its destination due to a crash. There were three confirmed fatalities and two survivors. The two injured passengers are being treated at Dijon and Nevers hospitals.

All rescue and police authorities acted rapidly and are in the process of investigation," said chief medical officer of the emergency response unit for the Nievre region, Alain Chantegret.

"It is with great shock and sadness that Bridgestone informs all parties of a fatal helicopter crash involving a member of personnel. We wish to express our sadness and concern at this difficult time. Further information will be provided as and when it officially becomes available," said the Japan-based company.

The identities of those involved have yet to be released.

FMI: www.formula1.com, www.bridgestone.com