Helicopter crashes near crowded beach (VIDEO)
Two people were hospitalized following a helicopter crash in Miami Beach, Florida on Saturday afternoon, police have confirmed, releasing a video of the disturbing incident.
The Miami Beach Police Department said that it received a call about the crash in South Beach around 1:10pm local time. A stretch of the beach between 9th and 11th Streets was shut down for visitors, as multiple agencies, including Federal Aviation Administration officials, responded to the scene.
A surveillance video shared by police shows the helicopter quickly descending and crashing into the water near groups of revelers sunbathing at the beach and swimming in the ocean.
This afternoon at 1:10 p.m., MBPD received a call of a helicopter crash in the ocean near 10 Street. Police and @MiamiBeachFire responded to the scene along with several partner agencies. Two occupants have been transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital in stable condition. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/heSIqnQtle
— Miami Beach Police (@MiamiBeachPD) February 19, 2022
There were three passengers aboard the aircraft, two of whom had to be transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital, according to police. The two victims are reported to be in stable condition, while the third passenger apparently suffered no injuries. There were also no reports of injuries on the ground.
South Beach Miami Helicopter crash pic.twitter.com/6dmdGFx2pB
— iggy luko (@LukoIggy) February 19, 2022
Authorities identified the helicopter as a Robinson R44. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board launched an investigation into the cause of the crash.
