Grand Canyon crash: three Britons dead, four in critical condition
Helicopter operator reportedly involved in three other deadly incidents in past 20 years
Three British tourists are dead, and a further four people are being treated for serious burns and other injuries, following a helicopter crash in the Grand Canyon.
The survivors had to wait for eight hours before they were rescued and airlifted out of the West Rim of the canyon. Rescue teams hiked through rugged terrain using night-vision goggles to reach the crash scene, and then had to wait for 50mph winds to subside, according to the Arizona Republic website.
The injured passengers were identified as Britons Ellie Milward, 29, Jonathan Udall, 32, and Jennifer Barham, 39. Pilot Scott Booth, 42, was also hurt. They are all said to be in a critical condition.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The three people killed were Becky Dobson, 27, Jason Hill, 32, and Stuart Hill, 30.
The relationship of those on board was not immediately known, nor what caused the Eurocopter EC130 to crash.
The helicopter operator, Papillion Airways, has been involved in at least three other deadly incidents in the past 20 years, says Arizona Republic.
Witness Teddy Fujimoto told CNN affiliate KSNV that he was taking photographs when he saw the aftermath of Saturday’s crash, including an explosion and two women who ran screaming from the burning aircraft.
Another witness, Lionel Douglass, told ABC News that he saw the helicopter doing two complete circles “as if the pilot was searching for a spot to set the aircraft down” before it plummeted. “It fell down between the mountains, the tail broke in half, it hit the bottom,” Douglass said.
Thousands of helicopters fly over the Canyon each year, competing for business in the same limited space.
Papillon is cooperating with the US National Transportation Safety Board and authorities, and offered “heartfelt sympathy” to the families, ABC News reports.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
The history of Donald Trump's election conspiracy theories
The Explainer How the 2024 Republican nominee has consistently stoked baseless fears of a stolen election
By David Faris Published
-
Two ancient cities have been discovered along the Silk Road
Under the radar The discovery changed what was known about the old trade route
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
'People shouldn't have to share the road with impaired drivers'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Has the Taliban banned women from speaking?
Today's Big Question 'Rambling' message about 'bizarre' restriction joins series of recent decrees that amount to silencing of Afghanistan's women
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Cuba's energy crisis
The Explainer Already beset by a host of issues, the island nation is struggling with nationwide blackouts
By Rebekah Evans, The Week UK Published
-
Putin's fixation with shamans
Under the Radar Secretive Russian leader, said to be fascinated with occult and pagan rituals, allegedly asked for blessing over nuclear weapons
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Chimpanzees are dying of human diseases
Under the radar Great apes are vulnerable to human pathogens thanks to genetic similarity, increased contact and no immunity
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Deaths of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies hang over Sydney's Mardi Gras
The Explainer Police officer, the former partner of TV presenter victim, charged with two counts of murder after turning himself in
By Austin Chen, The Week UK Published
-
Quiz of The Week: 24 February - 1 March
Puzzles and Quizzes Have you been paying attention to The Week's news?
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Will mounting discontent affect Iran election?
Today's Big Question Low turnout is expected in poll seen as crucial test for Tehran's leadership
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Sweden clears final NATO hurdle with Hungary vote
Speed Read Hungary's parliament overwhelmingly approved Sweden's accession to NATO
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published