Three people have died after a helicopter crashed on the Isle of Wight, United Kingdom, during a flying lesson on Monday morning, authorities confirmed.
According to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, a fourth person was rushed to hospital and remains in serious condition.
The helicopter, operated by Northumbria Helicopters, departed Sandown Airport at about 9 a.m. local time with four people on board for a training flight.
Roughly 24 minutes later, police received reports of an aircraft going down in a field near a road in the Shanklin area.
Aerial images broadcast by British media showed the wreckage of the G-OCLV model helicopter badly mangled. Emergency services from multiple agencies responded swiftly, sealing off the road as rescue and recovery operations took place.
The UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch confirmed inspectors have been deployed to collect evidence and conduct inquiries into the tragedy.
Northumbria Helicopters said it is cooperating fully with investigators. The exact cause of the crash has not yet been established.
Police stated they could not yet release details about the individuals involved.
Reacting to the incident, Isle of Wight East MP Joe Robertson said the tragedy had left residents devastated.
“My heart goes out to the families of those who lost their lives in the helicopter crash outside Shanklin today. It is very sad and tragic news during what should have been a happy bank holiday helicopter flight from Sandown Airport,” he said.