Two people have been killed when a helicopter hit a crane in central London, crashing into two cars as it fell to the ground.
Witnesses said the aircraft cartwheeled out of the sky after it smashed into a crane on St George’s Wharf Tower, in Vauxhall, amid heavy fog.
It then exploded into flames.
London Fire Brigade said they had rescued a man from a burning car at the scene, although his condition is not known.
Rescue crews are searching the River Thames after reports that somebody was seen in the water after the crash.
Two people were taken to hospital.
Burning wreckage and aviation fuel covered the road and people have reported seeing cars on fire and hearing people scream.
Pictures showed flames and a huge column of black smoke at the crash site just off Wandsworth Road near South Lambeth Road.
Firefighters say the crane is now in a “precarious” position.
It is not clear how many people are involved but sources say there was only one person aboard the aircraft, which is believed to be an Augusta 109.
The London City Airport in Docklands had delays earlier in the day due to poor visibility.
Witnesses said at least 22 fire engines were at the scene, as well as police and ambulances.
Sarah-Beth Casey lives in an apartment near the incident. She told : “You’re always worried about things like 9/11 and things like that. When I heard the explosion – it was like a little earthquake. It was like a gas explosion. I looked up to see debris falling off the tower.”
Bruce Grain, a station manager for London Fire Brigade and among the first to arrive at the scene, said the helicopter had hit the crane up against the tower.
“Luckily, one of the drivers had just got out of his car. We don’t know the location of the other driver at this time,” he told Sky News.
“Large parts of the helicopter are in the road,” Mr Grain added. “There is debris over surrounding buildings… three buildings.”
“We’ve managed to extinguish most of the fire now.”
Bruce Grain, a station manager for London Fire Brigade and among the first to arrive at the scene, said the helicopter had hit the crane up against the tower.
“Luckily, one of the drivers had just got out of his car. We don’t know the location of the other driver at this time,” he told .
“Large parts of the helicopter are in the road,” Mr Grain added. “There is debris over surrounding buildings… three buildings.”
“We’ve managed to extinguish most of the fire now.”
Aviation expert Chris Yates told that any tall structure must have a warning light on top to alert pilots. The question is, he said, whether there was a warning light on the crane and whether the pilot would have been able to see it in the foggy conditions.
The accident happened close to a railway line and train services were briefly suspended but are now running in and out of Waterloo station. Vauxhall station is closed.
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