Two dead as helicopter collides with crane in Vauxhall, London

A helicopter has crashed into a crane in London, UK, killing two people and injuring a reported nine more.

The aircraft collided with the crane above St George’s Tower in the Vauxhall area of south London at approximately 8am GMT before falling to the ground near Vauxhall Rail Station and hitting several vehicles.

The helicopter is believed to be an Agusta 109 that was on a scheduled flight from Redhill, Surrey, but was reportedly diverted from its original destination.

Sixty firefighters attended the scene, dealing with blazes caused by burning wreckage and aviation fuel.

An RNLI spokesman also confirmed that a lifeboat was searching the River Thames following reports that a person was seen in the water after the crash, although the search was later called off.

London Ambulance Service confirmed that of those njured, six patients were taken to hospital from the scene of the accident, one suffering from a broken leg. At a press conference at Vauxhall Station, London Fire Brigade dismised fears of hazardous materials in the air following the crash amid reports of gas.

Although circumstances that led to the crash are still unclear, misty conditions were reported in the area around the time of the incident. London City Airport had earlier reported delays due to poor visibility. Police at the scene would not speak on reports that the crane’s light was faulty, but confirmed that it would form a basis of the ongoing investigation.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed to the BBC that there was no suggestion the incident was linked to terrorism, despite the crash site being close by to a security services building.

The two deaths are reported to include the pilot of the helicopter and a person on the ground, with two further individuals admitted to St Thomas’ Hospital with serious injuries.

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Image: The helicopter involved in the crash is believed to be an AgustaWestland 109. Photo: file image.