Emergency services have descended upon the outskirts of Doncaster following a significant helicopter crash at the former Bentley Colliery site. South Yorkshire Police confirmed they were called to the scene on Saturday afternoon, sparking a major response operation.
The incident, which occurred near the M18 motorway, prompted immediate road closures and a substantial cordon around the crash site. Local residents reported seeing multiple emergency vehicles racing toward the area as authorities worked to secure the scene.
Emergency Response Mobilised
South Yorkshire Police released an official statement confirming their presence at the location. "We were called at around 2.10pm today to a report of a helicopter crash at a site off of Arksey Lane," a police spokesperson stated. "A number of emergency services are at the scene and a cordon is in place."
The exact nature of the helicopter and the number of people involved remain unclear as investigators work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the crash.
Historic Site Location
The crash occurred at the former Bentley Colliery, a site with significant industrial heritage in South Yorkshire. The area, which once formed part of Britain's coal mining industry, has seen various redevelopment plans in recent years.
Local authorities have advised members of the public to avoid the area while emergency operations continue. The proximity to major transport routes has necessitated careful traffic management around the incident site.
Ongoing Investigation
Specialist accident investigators are expected to examine the wreckage to determine the cause of the crash. The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) typically leads such inquiries for aviation incidents across the UK.
As darkness fell over South Yorkshire, emergency services remained at the scene, with their work expected to continue through the evening. Further updates are anticipated as more information becomes available from official sources.
