HANALEI, Hawaii (TNND) — Three people died and two others were injured after a tourist helicopter crashed Thursday afternoon on Kauai, authorities said.
The incident occurred around 3:50 p.m. when the helicopter, carrying one pilot and four passengers, crash-landed approximately 100 yards off Kalalau Beach, according to the Coast Guard.
Emergency responders, including the Kauai Fire Department and good Samaritans, rescued and medically evacuated two survivors to Wilcox Medical Center. Their conditions have not been disclosed.
The helicopter has been identified as belonging to Airborne Aviation, which offers sightseeing tours of Kauai's landscapes, including canyons and waterfalls.
“We are greatly saddened by the loss of three lives in this helicopter crash,” said Cmdr. Andrew Williams, search and rescue mission coordinator for Coast Guard Sector Honolulu. “We remain grateful for the close coordination with our partner agencies throughout this tragic incident.”
Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami expressed gratitude for the emergency response team's efforts. “Here on Kauai, whenever someone puts their feet on our soil, we treat them like family. Our first responders act with that spirit in mind,” he stated in an interview with Hawaii News Now.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and further details will be released as they become available.