London helicopter crash: Reports suggest aircraft built by Yeovil helicopter manufacturer AgustaWestland
A helicopter which crashed in central London this morning is believed to have been built by Yeovil company AgustaWestland.
Two people were confirmed dead at the scene of the incident near the Thames River in Vauxhall, South West London, while six people were taken to hospital - five with minor injuries, and one with a broken leg. A further seven people were treated at the scene.
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Early reports suggest the helicopter involved in this morning's London crash was an AW109 aircraft
It is believed the helicopter crashed into a crane and hit two cars near Wandsworth Road, in South Lambeth, before exploding. Early reports suggest the helicopter was an AW109 aircraft which is built by Yeovil helicopter manufacturer AgustaWestland.
Eight fire engines, four fire rescue units and around 60 firefighters plus officers were called to the scene at 8am where a man was rescued from a burning car by firefighters, according to London Fire Brigade.
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Fire crews were also called to Saint Georges Wharf to reports of a crane "in a precarious position".
A statement by the fire service said: "Firefighters have brought the fire under control.
"The police have confirmed that two people have died at the scene. Firefighters have rescued a man from a burning car. Two people have been taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service crews.
"Firefighters are also attending reports of a crane in a precarious position Saint Georges Wharf, SW8. Four fire engines and two fire rescue units are in attendance.
London Ambulance Service said they treated four patients for minor injuries. A man and a woman were taken to King's College Hospital, while two were taken to St Thomas' Hospital. Four people were also treated at the scene for shock.
A spokesman said: "At 8am today we received a number of calls to reports of a helicopter crash on Wandsworth Road.
"We sent a motorcycle responder, seven ambulance crews, our hazardous area response team, the air ambulance's medical team in a car and four officers to the scene, with the first crew arriving in under four minutes.
"Sadly two people have been confirmed dead at the scene.
"We have treated five patients for minor injuries and three of them were taken to St Thomas’ Hospital and two – a man and a woman – were taken to King’s College Hospital.
"We are treating four patients on scene for shock."
The AgustaWestland aircraft is commonly used in corporate transport and there are a large number of them operating in the UK. They are owned by individuals, companies and helicopter operators.
A Civil Aviation Authority spokesman said he had heard it was an AW109 but could not confirm it.
The Department for Transport's Air Accident Investigation Branch will be conducting a thorough investigation of the site. A spokesman said it is far too soon to identify the aircraft involved.
A statement released by the Metropolitan Police said: "Police were alerted at approximately 08.00am on Wednesday, January 16 to an incident at Wandsworth Road SW8.
"At this early stage it appears a helicopter was in collision with a crane on top of a building.
"Met officers, the ambulance service and the London Fire Brigade have attended.
"Two people have been confirmed dead at the scene. We have no further details. Two have been taken to south London hospital. We await a condition update."
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