Actions

1 dead after helicopter crashes into townhouses near William & Mary

Posted at 6:09 PM, Jul 08, 2018
and last updated 2018-07-08 23:18:06-04

Update from state police: 'We cannot get into the building' because of hot spots

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. – At least one person was killed after a helicopter crashed and sparked a fire at the Bristol Commons Townhomes near the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg Sunday afternoon.

Virginia State Police said troopers responded to a 911 call about an aircraft crashing into a "residential structure" in the 1100 block of Settlement Drive just before 4:45 p.m.

Officials at the College of William & Mary said the crash happened near the Dillard Complex.

"The impact of the crash caused a fire within the townhouse structure," troopers said.

Photos from Kaeley Clardy show firefighters batting a blaze at the building.

Chopper video from the area from after 6:30 p.m. showed most of the flames had been knocked down and firefighters working on the ground.

WTVR CBS 6 reporter Jake Burns estimated that damage to the complex is “incredibly extensive.”

State police said there was one confirmed fatality inside the townhouse complex as of 8:15 p.m.

FAA officials identified the aircraft as a R44 helicopter and said that the pilot was the only person on board.

"Federal, state and local police, with the assistance of the Williamsburg Fire Department, are working to locate and identify the pilot of the helicopter," troopers said.

A witness told Burns that he will never forgot the sound of the helicopter colliding with the side of this townhouse complex.

"One resident told me he spoke to a man who was 10 feet away from where the aircraft struck," Burns said. "That man was able to get to safety."

That witness suspected that authorities may have known the helicopter was in distress prior since he estimated crews arrived "30 seconds" after the crash. However, there has been no official word if that is the case.

Additionally, Burns said parts of the helicopter were strewn across the complex’s parking lot and driveway.

Officials said the FAA and NTSB are investigating what caused the crash.

https://mobile.twitter.com/FAANews/status/1016148994135920640

The crash remains under investigation and officials said the processing the scene could take two or three days.

Depend on CBS 6 News and WTVR.com for the most complete coverage and updates on this story. If you see breaking news, and can do so safely, shoot a photo or video and send it to CBS 6. You can also upload photos to our Facebook page or email pics@wtvr.com from your phone.

CBS6-News-at-4pm-and-Jennifer-Hudson-480x360.jpg

Entertainment

Watch 'The Jennifer Hudson Show' weekdays at 3 p.m. on CBS 6!

📱 Download CBS 6 News App
The app features breaking news alerts, live video, weather radar, traffic incidents, closings and delays and more.