1 of 2 | Rescue personnel help survivors after a helicopter crash in Kauai, Hawaii, Thursday. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Coast Guard
Three people are dead and two injured in a helicopter crash on Kalalau Beach on Kauai in Hawaii Thursday afternoon.
The two survivors were taken to Wilcox Medical Center in Lihue, Hawaii, the U.S. Coast Guard Oceania District said in a press release.
Rescue agencies were alerted after someone sent a text-to-911 message about it.
Rescue personnel from multiple agencies including the Coast Guard, the Hanalei fire station, the police department and others responded to the scene, officials said.
The Coast Guard said the helicopter crash-landed on a sandbar 100 yards off Kalalau Beach.
“We are greatly saddened by the loss of three lives in this helicopter crash and thinking of those individuals’ families and friends,” said Commander Andrew Williams, search and rescue mission coordinator, Coast Guard Sector Honolulu, in a statement. “We are also keeping the survivors in our thoughts as they begin their recovery. We remain grateful for close coordination with our partner agencies throughout this tragic incident.”
Kauai County Mayor Derek Kawakami confirmed to KITV that it was a tour helicopter.
No names of the dead or injuries of the survivors have been released.
Police said the helicopter was operated by Airborne Aviation, which says on its website it flies doors-off helicopter tours with Hughes 500 helicopters. The Coast Guard said it was reportedly a Hughes OH-6 Cayuse. Airborne Aviation flights can hold up to four guests, its website said.
Kalalau Beach is in the Na Pali-Kona Forest Preserve.
Hawaii has also recently endured flooding after heavy rainstorms hit parts of the state.
Historic March moments through the years
Founder of the Women’s Tennis Association and tennis great Billie Jean King (C) smiles with representatives after speaking during an annual Women’s History Month event in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Title IX in Statuary Hall at the U.S .Capitol in Washington on March 9, 2022. Women’s History Month is celebrated every March. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo
