15/06/2005

Two British tourists involved in NY helicopter crash

Two British tourists are believed to have been among the passengers on a helicopter, which plummeted into a river in New York yesterday.

Karen and Gary Butler, from Chelmsford in Essex, are believed to have been on a sightseeing tour at the time of the crash, along with five other passengers.

It has been reported that Karen Butler was admitted to hospital, where she is said to be in a stable condition, although there have been no reports as yet regarding Mr Butler.

Police have said that there were no fatalities in the accident. One person was seen being taken away on a stretcher.

The crash happened shortly after the helicopter took off yesterday. The aircraft reportedly overturned in the air and nose-dived into the East River in Manhattan. It is believed that the pilot lost control of the helicopter after the rotor clipped an object, which damaged the blades.

A police boat arrived at the scene of the crash within 30 seconds of the first radio report of the accident and police divers helped to rescue the helicopter’s occupants, which also included Australian tourists.

(KMcA/MB)

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