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Three killed in tour helicopter crash
Three people have died after a tourist helicopter crashed and burst into flames on impact in Oahu, Hawaii.
All three occupants were confirmed dead at the scene.
The Robinson R44 helicopter operated by Novictor Helicopters tour company came down onto a residential street in Kailua, about a 30-minute drive from downtown Honolulu.
No injuries have been reported on the ground, the Honolulu Fire Department said, although debris flew onto nearby homes and cars, with the helicopter’s fuel tank landed on top of one vehicle.
There was heavy rain at the time of the crash, but the cause of the tragedy is unknown.
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."
Novictor Helicopters offers sightseeing tours of Hawaii plus custom charters and flight instruction
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Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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