Two people have died following a helicopter crash in Umgeni Road, N2 interchange on Monday morning.
Emer-G-Med paramedics’ Kyle van Reenen said, emergency personnel were immediately dispatched and on arrival, it was found that a Robinson 22 helicopter was fully submerged under the water of the Umgeni River.
“A rescue operation was launched by members of the South African Police and Emer-G-Med’s Search and Rescue Units. Both pilot and co-pilot were found entrapped in the aircraft and sadly were pronounced deceased on the arrival of paramedics,” he said.
Van Reenen said it is speculated that the cause of the crash is that of a bird strike, however, the Aviation authorities will conduct the necessary investigations accordingly.
An eyewitness at the crash, Stewy Prince, said he saw the helicopter “somersault and then crash.”
“It was a tragic scene” he said.
Police spokesperson Captain Nqobile Gwala said two pilots believed to be in their twenties were declared dead at the scene. “The cause of crash is unknown at this stage. The scene is still active pending the arrival of authorities from Aviation,” she said.
