Helicopter crashes in Rizal; 2 dead

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines — Two people were killed while three others were injured when a private helicopter crashed in a farm in Pililia, Rizal yesterday morning.

The fatalities, a Filipino and a Malaysian national, were declared dead on arrival at the Rizal Provincial Hospital.

Three others including the pilot were rushed to the same hospital for treatment of injuries, according to Pililia police chief Maj. Robert Abundo.

One of the injured victims was reportedly in critical condition.

The identities of the fatalities and the injured were not immediately available.

Pililia Mayor John Masinsin said the incident occurred at 7:27 a.m. some 500 meters away from the highway in Barangay Quisao.

Masinsin said the Bell 505 helicopter was carrying two Malaysians and three Filipinos.

Abundo said there was no fire or gas leak in the aircraft and the engine was no longer running when responding police officers and firefighters arrived at the crash site.

Abundo said the pilot was still disoriented and could not yet give full information about the incident.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said the helicopter was headed for Manila from Quezon province when it figured in the accident.

The Rizal police is coordinating with concerned government agencies including the CAAP’s aircraft accident investigation and inquiry board to determine the cause of the crash. — Rudy Santos