Two Die in Helicopter Crash in Britain

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Saturday, January 18, 2003

Two Die in Helicopter Crash in Britain

Two people were killed Friday when a private helicopter crashed shortly after taking off in the south of London.

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Two people were killed Friday when a private helicopter crashed shortly after taking off in the south of London.

Julie Black, spokeswoman for the Biggin Hill airfield, said the Bell 207 Jet Ranger helicopter burst into flames when it came down in a field near the village of Cudham at about 15:45 GMT.

Scotland Yard also confirmed that the pilot and passenger, both believed to be from Essex, were killed instantly in the accident. Their names were not immediately available.

The helicopter, not based at Biggin Hill, was on its way to Southend, Essex, about 35 miles (55 kms) northeast of London.

"At this stage we have no details of what may have caused the accident but sadly it appears two people have been fatally injured," said Black.

"Everyone at the airfield is hugely saddened by this. The airfield has an exemplary safety record," she said.

The Air Accident Investigation Bureau is to begin an inquiry into the crash, she said.

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