Helicopter crash kills 5 in U.S.

WASHINGTON, July 28 (Xinhua) -- A helicopter crash in the eastern U.S. state of Pennsylvania killed five people, including a child, local officials said Sunday.

The helicopter crashed Saturday night after the pilot reported to air traffic controllers that he was losing altitude, according to local coroner Thomas Kukuchka.

Kukuchka said the pilot contacted a nearby controlling tower at about 10:30 p.m. local time (0230 GMT Monday), attempting to land at an airport in the neighborhood.

The coroner withheld the release of identities of the victims pending notification of next of kin.

Severe thunderstorms hit the area Saturday night. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

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