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Four feared dead as helicopter crashes in Norfolk Four feared dead as helicopter crashes in Norfolk
(35 minutes later)
Four people are believed to have died when the helicopter they were travelling in crashed in Norfolk.Four people are believed to have died when the helicopter they were travelling in crashed in Norfolk.
The cause of the crash has yet to be established and an investigation will be held but there were suggestions that foggy conditions could have been a factor.The cause of the crash has yet to be established and an investigation will be held but there were suggestions that foggy conditions could have been a factor.
Emergency services scoured the crash site close to the village of Gillingham, near Beccles, for survivors but held out little hope.Emergency services scoured the crash site close to the village of Gillingham, near Beccles, for survivors but held out little hope.
Ambulance crews and doctors from the East of England Ambulance Service (EEAST) were called to the scene but were unable to save the four people believed to have been on the flight.Ambulance crews and doctors from the East of England Ambulance Service (EEAST) were called to the scene but were unable to save the four people believed to have been on the flight.
An ambulance spokesman said: “Sadly, it is believed that four people in the helicopter are believed to have died in the crash. Ambulance resources have now been stood down from the scene. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those who have lost their lives tonight.”An ambulance spokesman said: “Sadly, it is believed that four people in the helicopter are believed to have died in the crash. Ambulance resources have now been stood down from the scene. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those who have lost their lives tonight.”
Mark Murray, a taxi driver from Beccles, said: “There is a large stately home nearby and you often see helicopters coming and going from there.Mark Murray, a taxi driver from Beccles, said: “There is a large stately home nearby and you often see helicopters coming and going from there.
“When they have a game shoot the guests often all arrive in separate helicopters. We don't know if that is linked, but that's the only helicopter activity we see in this area.”“When they have a game shoot the guests often all arrive in separate helicopters. We don't know if that is linked, but that's the only helicopter activity we see in this area.”
Norfolk Police were called to the scene at about 7.30pm and located the wreckage after carrying out a search. The helicopter was later confirmed to have been civilian rather than military.Norfolk Police were called to the scene at about 7.30pm and located the wreckage after carrying out a search. The helicopter was later confirmed to have been civilian rather than military.
A spokeswoman said: “Police are currently dealing with a helicopter crash in Gillingham, near Beccles. Officers were called at about 7.30pm which led to a search of the area resulting in the discovery of the crash site. Emergency services remain on scene and a police cordon is in place.A spokeswoman said: “Police are currently dealing with a helicopter crash in Gillingham, near Beccles. Officers were called at about 7.30pm which led to a search of the area resulting in the discovery of the crash site. Emergency services remain on scene and a police cordon is in place.
“The helicopter has been confirmed as a civilian aircraft and the four occupants on board are thought to have died in the crash. Next of kin will be informed before further details of a deceased are released.”“The helicopter has been confirmed as a civilian aircraft and the four occupants on board are thought to have died in the crash. Next of kin will be informed before further details of a deceased are released.”
The helicopter was travelling to Northern Ireland. Norfolk police have been in contact with the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch said that it had dispatched a team to the crash site, in woodland close to the village church, to begin an investigation.The Air Accidents Investigation Branch said that it had dispatched a team to the crash site, in woodland close to the village church, to begin an investigation.
The crash took place just two months after a US military HH-60G Pave Hawk, based at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk, crashed in Cley next the Sea, Norfolk, during a low level training exercise killing four personnel. Munitions were strewn about the crash site, a nature reserve.The crash took place just two months after a US military HH-60G Pave Hawk, based at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk, crashed in Cley next the Sea, Norfolk, during a low level training exercise killing four personnel. Munitions were strewn about the crash site, a nature reserve.
Just a few hours before the fatal crash, the families of 16 men who died in a North Sea helicopter accident called for the operator to be prosecuted after an inquiry found the tragedy could have been avoided. Fourteen oil workers and two crew died when the Bond Super Puma plunged into the water off the Aberdeenshire coast on April 1, 2009. A fatal accident inquiry identified failings in the maintenance of the aircraft's gearbox in the days before the crash.Just a few hours before the fatal crash, the families of 16 men who died in a North Sea helicopter accident called for the operator to be prosecuted after an inquiry found the tragedy could have been avoided. Fourteen oil workers and two crew died when the Bond Super Puma plunged into the water off the Aberdeenshire coast on April 1, 2009. A fatal accident inquiry identified failings in the maintenance of the aircraft's gearbox in the days before the crash.