Skier charged with manslaughter after killing 5-year-old in crash

Ski resort of Flaine, Haute Savoie in Flaine, France. (Photo by Ghislaine BRAS/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)

A man faces manslaughter charges in connection with a high-speed crash on a ski slope in the French Alps that left a 5-year-old girl dead.

The British girl was taking ski lessons on a beginner slope at the ski resort of Flaine when the man crashed into her at a high rate of speed, according to Sky News.

Witnesses said they watched him skiing "at high speed" over "a slight bump" and then colliding with the child, The Sun reported.

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The girl, who was named Ophelie, was airlifted to hospital but reportedly died while she was still in the helicopter.

The 40-year-old skier, who has not been identified, has been in custody since Saturday.  He faces up to five years in prison, according to The Mirror.

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Some resorts in France and Switzerland have reportedly introduced speed cameras and hand-held radar devices in a move aimed at reducing accidents.