Three people have been killed and two injured after a helicopter crashed onto a popular beach on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. The incident occurred at Kalalau Beach on Thursday afternoon, according to the Kauai Fire Department.
The aircraft, operated by Airborne Aviation, was carrying four passengers and one pilot when it came down at around 3.45pm local time. Three individuals were pronounced dead at the scene, while the remaining two were taken to Wilcox Medical Centre for treatment. The extent of their injuries is not yet known.
Kalalau Beach is a remote destination on the Na Pali Coast, known for its stunning cliffs and turquoise waters. It is accessible only by an 11-mile hike, making rescue efforts challenging. Multiple agencies, including the Kauai Fire Department, US Coast Guard, and Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, were deployed to reach the site by air and sea.
The cause of the crash is not immediately clear. The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration have been notified and will launch a joint investigation.
