A pilot and passenger, aged between 30 and 40 years old, were killed on Monday morning when the helicopter they were flying in crashed into the Umgeni River next to the busy N2 highway.
Netcare 911, and several other rescue services, responded to the call for assistance at 8.46am on Monday, 3 May.
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When emergency services arrived at the scene, they discovered a Robinson R22 helicopter covered by thick reeds, submerged in the river.
“Sadly the pilot and passenger had sustained fatal injuries and were declared deceased on the scene.Our condolences to the friends and family of the deceased,” Netcare 911 said in a post on Facebook.
Initial reports reveal a bird strike could have been the cause of the accident, but further investigation will determine the exact cause.
Rescue efforts are underway to retrieve the bodies of the deceased, as well as the wreckage of the helicopter.
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