Helicopter carrying three goes missing near Mt. Aso summit in south-west Japan

Aso Cuddly Dominion zoo offers panoramic helicopter rides over the area, which is famed for its volcanic landscapes. - UNSPLASH

KUMAMOTO, Japan: A helicopter went missing around noon Tuesday (Jan 20) near the summit of Mt. Aso in the south-western Japan prefecture of Kumamoto, Kyodo news reported, according to local firefighters and other sources.

Two passengers from Taiwan and a pilot were believed to be aboard the helicopter that departed at 10.52am from the Aso Cuddly Dominion zoo. Contact was lost at around 11am, according to the operator.

The zoo offers panoramic helicopter rides over the area, which is famed for its volcanic landscapes. - Bernama-Kyodo