Three dead after tour helicopter crash in Hawaii
Three people died after a tourist helicopter crashed and burst into flames on impact in Oahu, Hawaii.
All three occupants were confirmed deadd at the scene.
The Robinson R44 helicopter operated by Novictor Helicopters tour company came down onto a residential street although no injuries have been reported on the ground, the Honolulu Fire Department said.
The crash did sent debris onto nearby homes and cars with the chopper’s fuel tank landing on top of one vehicle.
Authorities said it crashed for ‘unknown circumstances’ although there were heavy rains in the area at the time.
The NTSB will conduct a full investigation.
A local lawmaker has called for the grounding of such flights while the full details of the crash are investigated and a comprehensive risk assessment is conducted.
"My heart goes out to the victims of this horrific helicopter crash in Kailua. This happened in our residential area, where the only helicopters flying should be emergency-, military- and police-related – not tourism-related or commercial helicopters," said Representative Cynthia Thielen.
"I believe that all tour helicopters should be grounded until the authorities have assessed this situation."
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