Lt. General Ravi Sawhney (Retired) expresses his grief and condolence over the demise of CDS General Bipin Rawat. A helicopter carrying India’s Chief of Defense Staff General Bipin Rawat and 13 others has crashed in Tamil Nadu.

Former Lt Gen R Sawhney: He was a very fine soldier, gentleman and a pioneer to CDS

Indian Army Chief General (Retd.) Shankar Roy Chowdhury expressed sorrow over the shocking demise of India's 1st Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat and recalled his time with the lost soul.

Ex-Army Chief General (Retd.) Shankar Roy Chowdhury: Very unfortunate that India lost its first CDS

Air Vice-Marshal (Retd.) Manmohan Bahadur: The MI-17V5 is a top-notch chopper, also a go-to machine used by India's top dignitaries. It is very difficult to determine what went wrong to cause such a tragic crash.

Ex-Air Vice Marshal M. Bahadur: Difficult to speculate the reason behind crash involving India's CDS

Indian Air Force confirms the tragic death of India's 1st Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat. IAF also confirmed the demise of his wife Mrs Madhulika Rawat, and 11 others who were on board the MI-17V5 chopper.

India's 1st Chief of Defence Staff Gen Rawat dies in a tragic chopper crash in South India's Coonoor

The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold meeting with Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) to discuss the situation arising out of the crash of a military helicopter with Chief of defence staff Gen Bipin Rawat and several other officers on board on Wednesday near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu.

Indian PM Modi to hold Cabinet security meet over IAF helicopter crash

Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat passed away when an Indian Air Force helicopter met with an accident near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu.

Breaking News: Indian CDS General Bipin Rawat dies in IAF helicopter crash in Coonoor

An Indian Air Force Mi-17V5 helicopter carrying Chief Defence of Staff General Bipin Rawat, his wife, and military personnel crashed near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu. IAF’s Mi-17V5 helicopter is a saviour designed Russian helicopter. The chopper is one of the world’s most advanced transport helicopters. WION tells you more about the Mi-17V5 helicopter.

Indian Air Force Chopper Crash: All about the helicopter that crashed carrying CDS Gen Bipin Rawat

Defence Expert Qamar Agha: Though it is very difficult to reach the crash site, Army officials and the Air Force chief is rushing there to take an assessment of the situation.

Defence Expert Qamar Agha speaks on helicopter crash involving India's CDS General Bipin Rawat

Major General (Retd.) DN Khurana: It is a very unfortunate incident. Mi-17 is one of the safest helicopters, and the chopper involved was one of the latest versions available with the IAF.

Former Major General DN Khurana talk about helicopter crash in South India involving CDS Gen Rawat

An Indian Air Force helicopter carrying Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and 13 others crashed near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu. The condition of Rawat was uncertain. General Rawat is currently undergoing treatment at a military hospital in Wellington.

Chopper with CDS Bipin Rawat on board crashes in Coonoor, rescue operation underway

Investigative journalist and former RAF pilot Michael Kay: Difficult to guess what was the reason behind such a tragic crash involving India's top Military General. Preliminary reports should give more details.

Watch former RAF pilot Michael Kay giving his insight about helicopter crash involving CDS Gen Rawat

Indian Defence minister Rajnath Singh has briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the country's Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat's chopper crash. His brief included details of the crash and response measures taken. Sources from the defence minister's office said Rajnath Singh is monitoring the situation.

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh briefs PM Modi on Gen Bipin Rawat's chopper crash

Five bodies were recovered and three injured people were rescued after an IAF Mi-17V5 helicopter carrying India's Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat crashed in the Coonoor area of the Southern State of Tamil Nadu, today.

CDS Gen Bipin Rawat onboard chopper crashes; five bodies recovered, three injured rescued | Breaking

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has reached General Bipin Rawat's residence, to brief the family on the chopper crash. The CDS along with his wife Madhulika Rawat, and other staff, was in the Indian Air Force chopper that crashed near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu.

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visits CDS Bipin Rawat's residence, to brief on chopper crash

<p>A helicopter carrying 16 tourists and crew on a sightseeing trip in Russia's far east crashed into a lake on Thursday, leaving eight people including a child feared dead and two others in serious condition.</p>

<p>The Mi-8 helicopter crash-landed into the icy waters of Kuril Lake in the mountainous Kamchatka peninsula in poor visibility and sank, local authorities said.</p>

<p>Staff of the Kronotsky Nature Reserve dispatched boats to the crash site and saved eight people, two of whom are now in intensive care with various injuries. Survivors praised wildlife inspectors for coming to their rescue in a matter of minutes.</p>

<p>"This situation is close to a miracle," said governor Vladimir Solodov.</p>

<p>The other eight -- including the only child on board and the crew commander -- were missing and feared dead.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We don't have any information about the rest," the governor's spokeswoman, Alla Golovan, told AFP.</p>

<p>The wreckage of the helicopter was now lying at a depth of more than 130 metres (420 feet) some 700 metres from the shore, the emergencies ministry said.</p>

<p>Rescuers and divers were dispatched to the scene but they did not have the necessary equipment to begin work at that depth.</p>

<p>Solodov said the authorities turned to the defence ministry, which sent the necessary underwater equipment.</p>

<p>"Robots will be studying the bottom of Kuril Lake at the site of the crash," the governor said.</p>

<p><strong>Rescued from icy water</strong></p>

<p>Recounting the crash and subsequent rescue operation, wildlife inspectors said that the visibility at the lake was no greater than 100 metres, adding that they heard the helicopter but could not see it.</p>

<p>When staff of the reserve heard a loud "boom", they said they dispatched two motorboats with four inspectors, who reached the scene in about three to four minutes.</p>

<p>"Eight people were on the surface, who we immediately lifted onboard," inspector Yevgeny Denges said in a statement. The inspectors looked for other survivors but could not find anyone, Denges added.</p>

<p>Citing the survivors, the nature reserve said that the chopper began to sink nose first and the passengers managed to swim up to the surface from a depth of eight to nine metres.</p>

<p>"The water temperature in the lake is no more than 5-6 degrees (Celsius, 41-43 degrees Fahrenheit), it is impossible to remain in it for a long time," the reserve said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The tourists were from Russia's second city Saint Petersburg.</p>

<p>One of the survivors, Viktor Strelkin, said that at the time of the accident he was sleeping and woke up when a stream of water hit him in the face.</p>

<p>"My friend's son was sitting next to me. He was fastened with a security belt and I did not have time to yank him out because I woke up too late," Strelkin said in remarks released by authorities.</p>

<p><strong>'Horrible weather conditions'</strong></p>

<p>Strelkin, who practices free-diving, managed to unfasten himself, breathe in some air before the cabin filled with water, get out of the aircraft and swim up to the surface.</p>

<p>Another survivor, state TV presenter Nikolai Korzhenevsky, appeared to blame the crew for the accident.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"For some reason we flew there even though we knew about the horrible weather conditions there," he said.</p>

<p>Kamchatka is a vast peninsula popular with adventure tourists for its abundant wildlife, live volcanoes and black sand beaches.</p>

<p>The aircraft belongs to a firm called Vityaz-Aero, co-owned by local lawmaker Igor Redkin.</p>

<p>Earlier this week, Redkin made headlines in Russia when he admitted to killing a man he mistook for a bear.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Officials said the helicopter had been in operation since 1984 but was in good condition.</p>

<p>The Investigative Committee, which probes major crimes, said it was looking into a potential violation of air safety rules.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The regional prosecutor's office launched a probe to study "the implementation of the legislation on the provision of tourist services".</p>

<p>In July, a small plane crashed on the peninsula, killing 19 people when it flew into a cliff.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Airplane crashes are fairly common in Russia due to poor maintenance and lax compliance with safety rules.</p>


A helicopter carrying 16 tourists and crew on a sightseeing trip in Russia's far east crashed into a lake on Thursday, leaving eight people including a child feared dead and two others in serious condition.

A helicopter carrying 16 tourists and crew on a sightseeing trip in Russia's far east crashed into a lake on Thursday, leaving eight people including a child feared dead and two others in serious condition. The Mi-8 helicopter crash-landed into the icy waters of Kuril Lake in the mountainous Kamchatka peninsula in poor visibility and sank, local authorities said. Staff of the Kronotsky Nature Reserve dispatched boats to the crash site and saved eight people, two of whom are now in intensive care with various injuries. Survivors praised wildlife inspectors for coming to their rescue in a matter of minutes. "This situation is close to a miracle," said governor Vladimir Solodov. The other eight -- including the only child on board and the crew commander -- were missing and feared dead. "We don't have any information about the rest," the governor's spokeswoman, Alla Golovan, told AFP. The wreckage of the helicopter was now lying at a depth of more than 130 metres (420 feet) some 700 metres from the shore, the emergencies ministry said. Rescuers and divers were dispatched to the scene but they did not have the necessary equipment to begin work at that depth. Solodov said the authorities turned to the defence ministry, which sent the necessary underwater equipment. "Robots will be studying the bottom of Kuril Lake at the site of the crash," the governor said. Rescued from icy water Recounting the crash and subsequent rescue operation, wildlife inspectors said that the visibility at the lake was no greater than 100 metres, adding that they heard the helicopter but could not see it. When staff of the reserve heard a loud "boom", they said they dispatched two motorboats with four inspectors, who reached the scene in about three to four minutes. "Eight people were on the surface, who we immediately lifted onboard," inspector Yevgeny Denges said in a statement. The inspectors looked for other survivors but could not find anyone, Denges added. Citing the survivors, the nature reserve said that the chopper began to sink nose first and the passengers managed to swim up to the surface from a depth of eight to nine metres. "The water temperature in the lake is no more than 5-6 degrees (Celsius, 41-43 degrees Fahrenheit), it is impossible to remain in it for a long time," the reserve said. The tourists were from Russia's second city Saint Petersburg. One of the survivors, Viktor Strelkin, said that at the time of the accident he was sleeping and woke up when a stream of water hit him in the face. "My friend's son was sitting next to me. He was fastened with a security belt and I did not have time to yank him out because I woke up too late," Strelkin said in remarks released by authorities. 'Horrible weather conditions' Strelkin, who practices free-diving, managed to unfasten himself, breathe in some air before the cabin filled with water, get out of the aircraft and swim up to the surface. Another survivor, state TV presenter Nikolai Korzhenevsky, appeared to blame the crew for the accident. "For some reason we flew there even though we knew about the horrible weather conditions there," he said. Kamchatka is a vast peninsula popular with adventure tourists for its abundant wildlife, live volcanoes and black sand beaches. The aircraft belongs to a firm called Vityaz-Aero, co-owned by local lawmaker Igor Redkin. Earlier this week, Redkin made headlines in Russia when he admitted to killing a man he mistook for a bear. Officials said the helicopter had been in operation since 1984 but was in good condition. The Investigative Committee, which probes major crimes, said it was looking into a potential violation of air safety rules. The regional prosecutor's office launched a probe to study "the implementation of the legislation on the provision of tourist services". In July, a small plane crashed on the peninsula, killing 19 people when it flew into a cliff. Airplane crashes are fairly common in Russia due to poor maintenance and lax compliance with safety rules.

Eight feared dead as Russia tourist helicopter crashes into lake

<p>Five&nbsp;Iraqi&nbsp;troops were killed Thursday when their helicopter crashed on a "combat mission" north of Baghdad, the military said, as a security source confirmed it had been hit by ground fire.</p>

<p>The helicopter came down near Amerli in Salaheddin province, the military said, in an area where&nbsp;Iraqi&nbsp;troops have carried out repeated operations against suspected sleeper cells of the Islamic State group.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rockets-fired-near-us-embassy-in-baghdad-401459">Rockets fired near US embassy in Baghdad</a></strong></p>

<p>Video footage sent to journalists in Baghdad showed firefighters attempting to put out a blaze in the wreckage of the aircraft.</p>

<p>The security forces had launched an operation on Tuesday to "search and clear areas in the south of Kirkuk province", which borders Salaheddin, a statement on their Twitter account said.</p>

<p>The security source told AFP that the helicopter that came down was one of two that had been checking pylons carrying high-voltage power lines in the area, a frequent target for holdout jihadists in recent months.</p>

<p>As the two aircraft approached Amerli district, one of them took a "direct hit" which forced it down.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-announces-new-phase-in-iraq-relations-end-of-combat-operations-400856">Biden announces ‘new phase’ in Iraq relations, end of ‘combat operations’</a></strong></p>

<p>The Islamic State group lost its last territory in Iraq in 2017 after a bloody three-year campaign that put paid to its hopes of forging a transnational "caliphate" straddling the border with Syria.</p>

<p>But the jihadists retain sleeper cells in desert and mountain areas that they have used as launchpads for attacks in Iraq's cities.</p>

<p>A July 19 suicide bombing claimed by the Sunni extremists killed 30 people in a street market in a Shiite district of Baghdad.</p>


Five Iraqi troops were killed Thursday when their helicopter crashed on a "combat mission" north of Baghdad, the military said, as a security source confirmed it had been hit by ground fire.

Five Iraqi troops were killed Thursday when their helicopter crashed on a "combat mission" north of Baghdad, the military said, as a security source confirmed it had been hit by ground fire. The helicopter came down near Amerli in Salaheddin province, the military said, in an area where Iraqi troops have carried out repeated operations against suspected sleeper cells of the Islamic State group. Also read | Rockets fired near US embassy in Baghdad Video footage sent to journalists in Baghdad showed firefighters attempting to put out a blaze in the wreckage of the aircraft. The security forces had launched an operation on Tuesday to "search and clear areas in the south of Kirkuk province", which borders Salaheddin, a statement on their Twitter account said. The security source told AFP that the helicopter that came down was one of two that had been checking pylons carrying high-voltage power lines in the area, a frequent target for holdout jihadists in recent months. As the two aircraft approached Amerli district, one of them took a "direct hit" which forced it down. Also read | Biden announces ‘new phase’ in Iraq relations, end of ‘combat operations’ The Islamic State group lost its last territory in Iraq in 2017 after a bloody three-year campaign that put paid to its hopes of forging a transnational "caliphate" straddling the border with Syria. But the jihadists retain sleeper cells in desert and mountain areas that they have used as launchpads for attacks in Iraq's cities. A July 19 suicide bombing claimed by the Sunni extremists killed 30 people in a street market in a Shiite district of Baghdad.

Five Iraqi crew killed in helicopter crash on combat mission: Military

<p>French billionaire politician Olivier Dassault died in a tragic chopper crash on Sunday. Soon after the report of his news broke, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his condolences and called his tragic death "a great loss."</p>

<p>"Olivier Dassault loved France. A captain of industry, lawmaker... during his life, he never ceased to serve our country. His sudden death is a great loss. Thoughts on his family and loved ones," Macron tweeted.<br />
<br />
<img alt="Emmanuel Macron" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8deb36e2-e6ad-427e-b188-518d1f6c9550" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/macron.JPG" /></p>

<p>Aged 69, Olivier Dassault died Sunday in a helicopter crash in the northern French town of Touques, in the Normandy region. The pilot is also killed.</p>

<p>Olivier Dassault was the president of strategy and development of the family-controlled aerospace and software conglomerate Dassault Aviation Group, which builds warplanes including the famed Rafale and business and military jets.</p>

<p>He was elected to the National Assembly - France's lower house of parliament - in 2002 and represented the Oise area of northern France.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The MP was estimated to be the 361st richest man in the world.</p>

<p>They were involved in the New Generation Fighter developed within the joint European program FCAS (Future Combat Air System), designed and built the Rafale multirole fighter, capable of handling all types of missions for both air forces and naval air arms, and designed the nEUROn combat drone. They also have the Falcon family of business jets in their arsenal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Dassault family has one of the greatest fortunes in France. Dassault Group owns Dassault Aviation, an international manufacturer of military and business jets, and Group Figaro, a French media conglomerate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Many of Dassault's colleagues on the political right also paid tribute to the son of Serge Dassault and grandson of Marcel Dassault, who built up one of the biggest family fortunes in France.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


French billionaire politician Olivier Dassault died in a tragic chopper crash on Sunday. Soon after the report of his news broke, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his condolences and called his tragic death "a great loss.

French billionaire politician Olivier Dassault died in a tragic chopper crash on Sunday. Soon after the report of his news broke, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his condolences and called his tragic death "a great loss." "Olivier Dassault loved France. A captain of industry, lawmaker... during his life, he never ceased to serve our country. His sudden death is a great loss. Thoughts on his family and loved ones," Macron tweeted. Aged 69, Olivier Dassault died Sunday in a helicopter crash in the northern French town of Touques, in the Normandy region. The pilot is also killed. Olivier Dassault was the president of strategy and development of the family-controlled aerospace and software conglomerate Dassault Aviation Group, which builds warplanes including the famed Rafale and business and military jets. He was elected to the National Assembly - France's lower house of parliament - in 2002 and represented the Oise area of northern France. The MP was estimated to be the 361st richest man in the world. They were involved in the New Generation Fighter developed within the joint European program FCAS (Future Combat Air System), designed and built the Rafale multirole fighter, capable of handling all types of missions for both air forces and naval air arms, and designed the nEUROn combat drone. They also have the Falcon family of business jets in their arsenal. The Dassault family has one of the greatest fortunes in France. Dassault Group owns Dassault Aviation, an international manufacturer of military and business jets, and Group Figaro, a French media conglomerate. Many of Dassault's colleagues on the political right also paid tribute to the son of Serge Dassault and grandson of Marcel Dassault, who built up one of the biggest family fortunes in France. (With inputs from agencies)

Scion of fighter jet Rafale Olivier Dassault killed in a helicopter crash 

The private helicopter crashed on Sunday afternoon in Normandy, where he has a holiday home, according to a police source.

Owner of Rafale maker, Olivier Dassault dies in helicopter crash

<p>A helicopter crash in Egypt's Sinai desert involving a multi-national observer force killed seven people on Thursday -- five Americans, a French national and a Czech citizen, an Israeli source told AFP.</p>

<p>An official with the Multinational Force &amp; Observers (MFO), Brad Lynch, said it was "actively investigating an incident involving one of our helicopters today".</p>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/helicopter-carrying-human-organs-crashed-in-los-angeles-pilot-injured-341309">Helicopter carrying human organs crashed in Los Angeles; pilot injured</a></strong></p>

<p>Lynch had no details on fatalities.</p>

<p>But the Israeli source, who requested anonymity, told AFP: "There has been a helicopter crash and I have the information that there were seven killed: five of them are American, one is French and one is Czech."</p>

<p>The MFO, which has a headquarters in Rome, was set up in 1979 under agreement by Israel and Egypt to supervise parts of the historic peace treaty agreed between the two countries that year.</p>

<p>The MFO is not linked to the United Nations.</p>


A helicopter crash in Egypt's Sinai desert involving a multi-national observer force killed seven people on Thursday -- five Americans, a French national and a Czech citizen, an Israeli source told AFP.

A helicopter crash in Egypt's Sinai desert involving a multi-national observer force killed seven people on Thursday -- five Americans, a French national and a Czech citizen, an Israeli source told AFP. An official with the Multinational Force & Observers (MFO), Brad Lynch, said it was "actively investigating an incident involving one of our helicopters today". Also read| Helicopter carrying human organs crashed in Los Angeles; pilot injured Lynch had no details on fatalities. But the Israeli source, who requested anonymity, told AFP: "There has been a helicopter crash and I have the information that there were seven killed: five of them are American, one is French and one is Czech." The MFO, which has a headquarters in Rome, was set up in 1979 under agreement by Israel and Egypt to supervise parts of the historic peace treaty agreed between the two countries that year. The MFO is not linked to the United Nations.

Sinai helicopter crash kills 7, including 5 Americans: Source

After surviving a helicopter crash and being dropped by a medical worker, a donated heart managed to make its way to the recipient. WION brings you a report.

Donated heart survives chopper crash | A 'brave heart'... quite literally

<p>A helicopter carrying human organs in&nbsp;Los Angeles crashed near the helipad of the&nbsp;Keck Hospital of USC on Friday. The pilot of the helicopter has incurred some injuries, but no lives were lost in the crash.</p>

<p>The&nbsp;Los Angeles Fire Department was called on the spot who then attended to the medical experts onboard and the pilot. The two people onboard claimed they had not suffered any injuries and refused medical treatment from the&nbsp;paramedics who had rushed to the site of the crash,&nbsp;a spokeswoman with the Los Angeles Fire Department told the local reporters.</p>

<p>“The aircraft is stable on its side, on the helipad,” LAFD said in a news alert at 3:18 p.m. Friday. “There does not appear to be a significant fuel leak.”</p>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-cases-in-us-hit-record-for-third-day-topping-127000-341298" hreflang="en">Covid-19 cases in US hit record for third day, topping 127,000</a></strong></p>

<p>Nobody in or around the&nbsp;Keck Hospital of USC suffered any loss, and no disruption to patient care was reported&nbsp;due to the crash, the hospital reported. While no major damage has been reported, as of now&nbsp;Norfolk Street between Soto Street and San Pablo Street has been temporarily closed for investigation.</p>

<p>The helicopter was a private eight-seater ambulance and was registered to&nbsp;Prime Healthcare Air Transportation of Ontario. The helicopter was carrying a donated heart which was being transferred to the hospital. After the crash, the organ was found to be undamaged and was handed over to the hospital officials for the treatment of the patient, the&nbsp;Los Angeles Police Department reported.</p>

<p>Patients and their caretakers in the hospital assumed it to be an earthquake as they felt a slight tremor, local media reported. The pilot is being treated for light injuries.</p>

<p>An investigation has been launched into the matter by the Federal Aviation Administration and the&nbsp;National Transportation Safety Board</p>


A helicopter carrying human organs in Los Angeles crashed near the helipad of the Keck Hospital of USC on Friday. The pilot of the helicopter has incurred some injuries, but no lives were lost in the crash.

A helicopter carrying human organs in Los Angeles crashed near the helipad of the Keck Hospital of USC on Friday. The pilot of the helicopter has incurred some injuries, but no lives were lost in the crash. The Los Angeles Fire Department was called on the spot who then attended to the medical experts onboard and the pilot. The two people onboard claimed they had not suffered any injuries and refused medical treatment from the paramedics who had rushed to the site of the crash, a spokeswoman with the Los Angeles Fire Department told the local reporters. “The aircraft is stable on its side, on the helipad,” LAFD said in a news alert at 3:18 p.m. Friday. “There does not appear to be a significant fuel leak.” Also read| Covid-19 cases in US hit record for third day, topping 127,000 Nobody in or around the Keck Hospital of USC suffered any loss, and no disruption to patient care was reported due to the crash, the hospital reported. While no major damage has been reported, as of now Norfolk Street between Soto Street and San Pablo Street has been temporarily closed for investigation. The helicopter was a private eight-seater ambulance and was registered to Prime Healthcare Air Transportation of Ontario. The helicopter was carrying a donated heart which was being transferred to the hospital. After the crash, the organ was found to be undamaged and was handed over to the hospital officials for the treatment of the patient, the Los Angeles Police Department reported. Patients and their caretakers in the hospital assumed it to be an earthquake as they felt a slight tremor, local media reported. The pilot is being treated for light injuries. An investigation has been launched into the matter by the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board

Helicopter carrying human organs crashed in Los Angeles; pilot injured

<p>The Colombian army said it had found the bodies of nine of the 11 soldiers missing after a military helicopter crashed Tuesday in the country's southeast during an operation against guerrillas.</p>

<p>"Unfortunately, we have found the bodies of nine of our personnel," a military spokesperson said on Twitter.</p>

<p>The Blackhawk helicopter was carrying 17 military personnel when it went down. The armed forces high command did not reveal whether it was shot down or an accident.</p>

<p>Authorities found the helicopter in a stretch of the river Inirida in Guaviare state, an area where dissident former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) guerrillas are active.</p>

<p>FARC rebels laid down their arms in a historic 2016 peace deal that ended a half century of conflict and turned the guerrillas into a communist political party.</p>

<p>But more than 2,000 dissidents, according to authorities, refused to join the 13,000 rebels that signed the peace deal and continue to resist the government, financing themselves though drug-trafficking and illegal mining.</p>

<p>The army said the helicopter was taking part in an operation against dissidents in an area where there are drug plantations.</p>

<p>The army's air assault division said in a statement it was "on site beginning the corresponding investigations to determine the circumstances regarding the time, manner and place that the events occurred."</p>

<p>The more than half century conflict left nine million people dead, missing or displaced.</p>


The Colombian army said it had found the bodies of nine of the 11 soldiers missing after a military helicopter crashed Tuesday in the country's southeast during an operation against guerrillas.

The Colombian army said it had found the bodies of nine of the 11 soldiers missing after a military helicopter crashed Tuesday in the country's southeast during an operation against guerrillas. "Unfortunately, we have found the bodies of nine of our personnel," a military spokesperson said on Twitter. The Blackhawk helicopter was carrying 17 military personnel when it went down. The armed forces high command did not reveal whether it was shot down or an accident. Authorities found the helicopter in a stretch of the river Inirida in Guaviare state, an area where dissident former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) guerrillas are active. FARC rebels laid down their arms in a historic 2016 peace deal that ended a half century of conflict and turned the guerrillas into a communist political party. But more than 2,000 dissidents, according to authorities, refused to join the 13,000 rebels that signed the peace deal and continue to resist the government, financing themselves though drug-trafficking and illegal mining. The army said the helicopter was taking part in an operation against dissidents in an area where there are drug plantations. The army's air assault division said in a statement it was "on site beginning the corresponding investigations to determine the circumstances regarding the time, manner and place that the events occurred." The more than half century conflict left nine million people dead, missing or displaced.

9 soldiers dead in Colombian military helicopter crash

<p>Two crew members were killed in a helicopter crash Thursday as Taiwan's military held drills across the island -- including one simulating coastal assaults from China.</p>

<p>Thursday's climax of the five-day drill aimed to test how democratic Taiwan's armed forces would repel an invasion from its giant neighbour.</p>

<p>Beijing regards Taiwan as part of its territory and has vowed to one day seize it -- by force if necessary.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-conducts-live-fire-drill-to-thwart-invasion-amid-china-tensions-313667"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Taiwan conducts live-fire drill to thwart 'invasion' amid China tensions</strong></a></p>

<p>Thursday's main simulation saw Taiwan fighter jets, warships and ground troops repelling an enemy attempt to land on a beach in the central city of Taichung in an operation involving some 8,000 service members.</p>

<p>The military said a Bell 0H-58D helicopter crashed as it returned to Hsinchu airbase from one of the exercises, killing the pilot and co-pilot.</p>

<p>Taipei has lived with the threat of invasion by China since the two sides split in 1949 after a civil war.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I was saddened to learn that Army Major Chien Jen-chuan &amp; Captain Kao Chia-lung lost their lives in a training accident, &amp; I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to their families. This is a great loss for our military, &amp; we all share in their grief.</p>
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<p>In recent decades it has found itself increasingly outnumbered and outgunned by China's enormous People's Liberation Army.</p>

<p>Beijing has piled military, economic and diplomatic pressure on Taiwan since President Tsai Ing-wen came to power in 2016 because she refuses to acknowledge its stance that the island is part of "one China".</p>

<p>Tsai won a landslide re-election in January in what was seen as a strong rebuke to China's strong-arm tactics against the island.</p>

<p>Last year President Xi Jinping gave an especially bellicose speech about Taiwan, warning unification was coming.</p>

<p>"I think it's inevitable that the People's Republic of China will realise the reunification of the motherland," Beijing foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told reporters when asked about Taiwan's drills.</p>

<p>In recent months Chinese warplanes have started buzzing Taiwan with unprecedented frequency, repeatedly breaching its air defence zone and prompting Taipei to scramble its own fighter jets.</p>

<p><strong>New hardware</strong></p>

<p>The military mismatch has been compounded by Western governments being increasingly wary of selling Taiwan advanced weapon systems, fearful of incurring Beijing's wrath.</p>

<p>That has pushed the island to develop its own hardware, including advanced missiles, boats and a new trainer jet.</p>

<p>Some of that hardware, including locally built surface-to-air and hypersonic missiles, was used during this week's drills.</p>

<p>China's increasingly muscular approach towards the island has also sparked renewed international co-operation with Taiwan.</p>

<p>Under US President Donald Trump, Washington has become far more willing to sell big-ticket items, including F-16 fighter jets and other hardware.</p>

<p>Earlier this week, Beijing vowed to impose sanctions on defence company Lockheed Martin in response to the US agreeing to upgrade Taiwan's Patriot missile systems.</p>

<p>France has also angered Beijing by agreeing to upgrade the missile interference systems on frigates Taiwan purchased in the 1990s.</p>

<p>Washington has remained a leading unofficial ally and arms supplier to Taipei despite switching diplomatic recognition to Beijing in 1979.</p>


Two crew members were killed in a helicopter crash Thursday as Taiwan's military held drills across the island -- including one simulating coastal assaults from China.

Two crew members were killed in a helicopter crash Thursday as Taiwan's military held drills across the island -- including one simulating coastal assaults from China. Thursday's climax of the five-day drill aimed to test how democratic Taiwan's armed forces would repel an invasion from its giant neighbour. Beijing regards Taiwan as part of its territory and has vowed to one day seize it -- by force if necessary. Also read: Taiwan conducts live-fire drill to thwart 'invasion' amid China tensions Thursday's main simulation saw Taiwan fighter jets, warships and ground troops repelling an enemy attempt to land on a beach in the central city of Taichung in an operation involving some 8,000 service members. The military said a Bell 0H-58D helicopter crashed as it returned to Hsinchu airbase from one of the exercises, killing the pilot and co-pilot. Taipei has lived with the threat of invasion by China since the two sides split in 1949 after a civil war. I was saddened to learn that Army Major Chien Jen-chuan & Captain Kao Chia-lung lost their lives in a training accident, & I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to their families. This is a great loss for our military, & we all share in their grief. — 蔡英文 Tsai Ing-wen (@iingwen) July 16, 2020 × In recent decades it has found itself increasingly outnumbered and outgunned by China's enormous People's Liberation Army. Beijing has piled military, economic and diplomatic pressure on Taiwan since President Tsai Ing-wen came to power in 2016 because she refuses to acknowledge its stance that the island is part of "one China". Tsai won a landslide re-election in January in what was seen as a strong rebuke to China's strong-arm tactics against the island. Last year President Xi Jinping gave an especially bellicose speech about Taiwan, warning unification was coming. "I think it's inevitable that the People's Republic of China will realise the reunification of the motherland," Beijing foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told reporters when asked about Taiwan's drills. In recent months Chinese warplanes have started buzzing Taiwan with unprecedented frequency, repeatedly breaching its air defence zone and prompting Taipei to scramble its own fighter jets. New hardware The military mismatch has been compounded by Western governments being increasingly wary of selling Taiwan advanced weapon systems, fearful of incurring Beijing's wrath. That has pushed the island to develop its own hardware, including advanced missiles, boats and a new trainer jet. Some of that hardware, including locally built surface-to-air and hypersonic missiles, was used during this week's drills. China's increasingly muscular approach towards the island has also sparked renewed international co-operation with Taiwan. Under US President Donald Trump, Washington has become far more willing to sell big-ticket items, including F-16 fighter jets and other hardware. Earlier this week, Beijing vowed to impose sanctions on defence company Lockheed Martin in response to the US agreeing to upgrade Taiwan's Patriot missile systems. France has also angered Beijing by agreeing to upgrade the missile interference systems on frigates Taiwan purchased in the 1990s. Washington has remained a leading unofficial ally and arms supplier to Taipei despite switching diplomatic recognition to Beijing in 1979.

Two Taiwan helicopter crew members killed in China 'invasion' drill

<p>US basketball star Kobe Bryant's death shook the whole world, he and his thirteen-year-old daughter Gianna were among the nine&nbsp;people who were killed in a helicopter crash in southern California on January 26.</p>

<p>Bryant's wife Vanessa was said to be "heartbroken"&nbsp;and "numb"&nbsp;after the death of her husband and her thirteen-year-old daughter.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kobe-bryants-wife-posts-heart-felt-message-thanks-millions-of-fans-for-support-277477">Kobe Bryant's wife posts heartfelt message, thanks millions of fans for support</a></p>

<p>On Tuesday, Vanessa posted a video on Instagram in which glimpses of her daughter Gianna playing for the Mamba Academy (Basketball academy set up by Kobe Bryant) along with her father Kobe Bryant could be seen.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/vanessa-bryants-celebration-of-life-to-commemorate-kobe-and-gianna-bryant-279350">Vanessa Bryant's 'celebration of life' to commemorate Kobe and Gianna Bryant</a></p>

<p>She had an emotional message in the caption of the post where she said: " My brain refuses to accept that both Kobe and Gigi (Gianna's nickname) are gone. I can’t process both at the same time. It’s like I’m trying to process Kobe being gone but my body refuses to accept my Gigi will never come back to me."</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B8ZavYwDZ5y/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">I’ve been reluctant to put my feelings into words. My brain refuses to accept that both Kobe and Gigi are gone. I can’t process both at the same time. It’s like I’m trying to process Kobe being gone but my body refuses to accept my Gigi will never come back to me. It feels wrong. Why should I be able to wake up another day when my baby girl isn’t being able to have that opportunity?! I’m so mad. She had so much life to live. Then I realize I need to be strong and be here for my 3 daughters. Mad I’m not with Kobe and Gigi but thankful I’m here with Natalia, Bianka and Capri. I know what I’m feeling is normal. It’s part of the grieving process. I just wanted to share in case there’s anyone out there that’s experienced a loss like this. God I wish they were here and this nightmare would be over. Praying for all of the victims of this horrible tragedy. Please continue to pray for all.</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/vanessabryant/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Vanessa Bryant 🦋</a> (@vanessabryant) on <time datetime="2020-02-10T19:14:58+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Feb 10, 2020 at 11:14am PST</time></p>
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<p>Kobe's widow Vanessa had announced an event a few days ago to commemorate her late husband and daughter's death named&nbsp;"celebration of life".&nbsp;</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B8Rk8gHDUq7/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">#2, #24, #20 years as a Laker and the amount of years Kob and I were together ❤️❤️💜💛</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/vanessabryant/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Vanessa Bryant 🦋</a> (@vanessabryant) on <time datetime="2020-02-07T17:49:49+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Feb 7, 2020 at 9:49am PST</time></p>
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<p>She had made her Instagram page private after the crash but after a few days, it was public again. She had a new profile picture on it and gained almost 2 million followers.</p>

<p>In the new profile photo, Kobe Bryant is seen hugging her young daughter Gianna. The picture was taken on February 14, 2016, before Bryant's final NBA All-Star Game.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kobe married Vanessa in the year 2001, he succeeded by his wife and three daughters.</p>


US basketball star Kobe Bryant's death shook the whole world, he and his thirteen-year-old daughter Gianna were among the nine people who were killed in a helicopter crash in southern California on January 26.

US basketball star Kobe Bryant's death shook the whole world, he and his thirteen-year-old daughter Gianna were among the nine people who were killed in a helicopter crash in southern California on January 26. Bryant's wife Vanessa was said to be "heartbroken" and "numb" after the death of her husband and her thirteen-year-old daughter. Also read: Kobe Bryant's wife posts heartfelt message, thanks millions of fans for support On Tuesday, Vanessa posted a video on Instagram in which glimpses of her daughter Gianna playing for the Mamba Academy (Basketball academy set up by Kobe Bryant) along with her father Kobe Bryant could be seen. Also read: Vanessa Bryant's 'celebration of life' to commemorate Kobe and Gianna Bryant She had an emotional message in the caption of the post where she said: " My brain refuses to accept that both Kobe and Gigi (Gianna's nickname) are gone. I can’t process both at the same time. It’s like I’m trying to process Kobe being gone but my body refuses to accept my Gigi will never come back to me." View this post on Instagram I’ve been reluctant to put my feelings into words. My brain refuses to accept that both Kobe and Gigi are gone. I can’t process both at the same time. It’s like I’m trying to process Kobe being gone but my body refuses to accept my Gigi will never come back to me. It feels wrong. Why should I be able to wake up another day when my baby girl isn’t being able to have that opportunity?! I’m so mad. She had so much life to live. Then I realize I need to be strong and be here for my 3 daughters. Mad I’m not with Kobe and Gigi but thankful I’m here with Natalia, Bianka and Capri. I know what I’m feeling is normal. It’s part of the grieving process. I just wanted to share in case there’s anyone out there that’s experienced a loss like this. God I wish they were here and this nightmare would be over. Praying for all of the victims of this horrible tragedy. Please continue to pray for all. A post shared by Vanessa Bryant 🦋 (@vanessabryant) on Feb 10, 2020 at 11:14am PST × Kobe's widow Vanessa had announced an event a few days ago to commemorate her late husband and daughter's death named "celebration of life". View this post on Instagram #2, #24, #20 years as a Laker and the amount of years Kob and I were together ❤️❤️💜💛 A post shared by Vanessa Bryant 🦋 (@vanessabryant) on Feb 7, 2020 at 9:49am PST × She had made her Instagram page private after the crash but after a few days, it was public again. She had a new profile picture on it and gained almost 2 million followers. In the new profile photo, Kobe Bryant is seen hugging her young daughter Gianna. The picture was taken on February 14, 2016, before Bryant's final NBA All-Star Game. Kobe married Vanessa in the year 2001, he succeeded by his wife and three daughters.

Kobe Bryant's widow Vanessa Bryant 'refuses to accept' death of her husband and daughter

<p>Wreckage at the scene of the helicopter crash that killed NBA great <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../kobe-bryants-wife-posts-heart-felt-message- thanks-millions-of-fans-for-support-277477">Kobe Bryant </a>and eight others showed no evidence of engine failure, a preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said Friday.</p>

<p><b>Also see-&nbsp;</b><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-do-we-know-till-know-kobe-bryants-death-chronological-series-of-events-that-took-place-277046#kobe-bryants-take-off-point-277007">Kobe Bryant's death: What do we know till now</a></p>

<p>Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../girl-dad-lebron-james-to-don-giannas-jersey- number-in-the-all-star-game-278464">Gianna</a> were among the nine who perished when the helicopter crashed in rugged terrain west of Los Angeles on January 26.</p>

<p><strong>Also read-&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nba-legend-kobe-bryant-and-his-daughter-gianna-among-9-killed-in-a-chopper-crash-in-california-276748">NBA legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, among 9 killed in a chopper crash in California</a></p>

<p>"All significant components of the helicopter were located within the wreckage area," according to the report. "Examination of the main and tail rotor assemblies found damage consistent with powered rotation at the time of impact.</p>

<p>"Viewable sections of the engines showed no evidence of an uncontained or catastrophic internal failure.</p>

<p>"The No. 2 engine first-stage compressor blades exhibited tip curl in the direction opposite of rotation, consistent with powered rotation at the time of impact."</p>

<p>Friday's report was a summary of investigators' findings so far. A final report identifying the cause of the crash is expected to take at least a year to complete.</p>

<p>Investigators from the NTSB and other bodies are considering what role heavy fog that Sunday morning might have played.</p>

<h6><img alt="Bryant's chopper crash" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d6765b90-d3e6-433f-becb-264cd9f73520" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_67.jpg" /><br />
<em>Bryant's chopper crash| AFP</em></h6>

<p>"Our investigators have already developed a substantial amount of evidence about the circumstances of this tragic crash," NTSB Chairman Robert Sumwalt said in a statement.</p>

<p>"And we are confident that we will be able to determine its cause as well as any factors that contributed to it so we can make safety recommendations to prevent accidents like this from occurring again."</p>

<h6><img alt="Bryant's chopper crash" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fb8c14e6-2fbc-46e9-b579-e143df3de553" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_81.jpg" /><br />
<em>Bryant's chopper crash| AFP</em></h6>

<p>In addition to 41-year-old Bryant and Gianna, those killed in the crash were her basketball teammates Alyssa Altobelli and Payton Chester, Alyssa's parents John and Keri Altobelli, Payton's mother Sarah Chester, basketball coach Christina Mauser and pilot Ara Zobayan.</p>

<h6><img alt="Bryant's chopper crash" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="48a4e3d9-7c7d-4817-b985-18c67d5ed211" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29_61.jpg" /><br />
<em>Bryant's chopper crash| AFP</em></h6>

<p>They were heading to a girls' basketball tournament at Bryant's Mamba Sports Academy in suburban Thousand Oaks having departed from John Wayne Airport in Orange County.</p>

<p>The deaths rocked the NBA and the wider sporting world as well as Los Angeles -- where Bryant won five NBA titles playing for all of his 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers.</p>

<p>Memorials sprang up around the city as fans left flowers, balloons, basketballs, stuffed animals, jerseys and other memorabilia in Bryant's honor at the Lakers' Staples Center arena, the team training facility in suburban El Segundo and as close to the crash site as they could get.</p>

<p>The Lakers honored Bryant with a pre-game ceremony less than a week after his death and a public memorial for Bryant and the other victims has reportedly been scheduled for February 24 at Staples Center.</p>

<p>The report includes photographs of the crash area in the Santa Monica Mountains, including one from a witness near the site and one from a security camera that shows the helicopter flying into clouds.</p>

<p>It also includes comments from a witness who was on a mountain bike trail and told investigators he heard the helicopter approaching.</p>

<p>He said he saw the blue and white helicopter emerge from the clouds, travelling forward and down, observing it for about two seconds before it crashed.</p>


Wreckage at the scene of the helicopter crash that killed NBA great Kobe Bryant and eight others showed no evidence of engine failure, a preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said Friday.

Wreckage at the scene of the helicopter crash that killed NBA great Kobe Bryant and eight others showed no evidence of engine failure, a preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said Friday. Also see- Kobe Bryant's death: What do we know till now Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna were among the nine who perished when the helicopter crashed in rugged terrain west of Los Angeles on January 26. Also read- NBA legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, among 9 killed in a chopper crash in California "All significant components of the helicopter were located within the wreckage area," according to the report. "Examination of the main and tail rotor assemblies found damage consistent with powered rotation at the time of impact. "Viewable sections of the engines showed no evidence of an uncontained or catastrophic internal failure. "The No. 2 engine first-stage compressor blades exhibited tip curl in the direction opposite of rotation, consistent with powered rotation at the time of impact." Friday's report was a summary of investigators' findings so far. A final report identifying the cause of the crash is expected to take at least a year to complete. Investigators from the NTSB and other bodies are considering what role heavy fog that Sunday morning might have played. Bryant's chopper crash| AFP "Our investigators have already developed a substantial amount of evidence about the circumstances of this tragic crash," NTSB Chairman Robert Sumwalt said in a statement. "And we are confident that we will be able to determine its cause as well as any factors that contributed to it so we can make safety recommendations to prevent accidents like this from occurring again." Bryant's chopper crash| AFP In addition to 41-year-old Bryant and Gianna, those killed in the crash were her basketball teammates Alyssa Altobelli and Payton Chester, Alyssa's parents John and Keri Altobelli, Payton's mother Sarah Chester, basketball coach Christina Mauser and pilot Ara Zobayan. Bryant's chopper crash| AFP They were heading to a girls' basketball tournament at Bryant's Mamba Sports Academy in suburban Thousand Oaks having departed from John Wayne Airport in Orange County. The deaths rocked the NBA and the wider sporting world as well as Los Angeles -- where Bryant won five NBA titles playing for all of his 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers. Memorials sprang up around the city as fans left flowers, balloons, basketballs, stuffed animals, jerseys and other memorabilia in Bryant's honor at the Lakers' Staples Center arena, the team training facility in suburban El Segundo and as close to the crash site as they could get. The Lakers honored Bryant with a pre-game ceremony less than a week after his death and a public memorial for Bryant and the other victims has reportedly been scheduled for February 24 at Staples Center. The report includes photographs of the crash area in the Santa Monica Mountains, including one from a witness near the site and one from a security camera that shows the helicopter flying into clouds. It also includes comments from a witness who was on a mountain bike trail and told investigators he heard the helicopter approaching. He said he saw the blue and white helicopter emerge from the clouds, travelling forward and down, observing it for about two seconds before it crashed.

No sign of engine failure in Kobe Bryant helicopter crash: NTSB

<p>A helicopter crashed in United States' Pennsylvania on Thursday night killing two people.</p>

<p>According to local media reports, the helicopter crashed at the backyard of a home in Orchard Park.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The helicopter was travelling from Washington DC and was being used for medical transport when it crashed with two people on board.</p>

<p>No one on the ground has been hurt. No property damage was also reported.</p>

<p>The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash.</p>

<p>The helicopter crashed around 8:30 pm (local time).</p>

<p>According to the local media report, police and fire crews responded to the scene as soon as they receive a 911 call.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As police reached the spot they found the aircraft has gone down in the fenced yard of the home.</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


A helicopter crashed in United States' Pennsylvania on Thursday night killing two people. According to local media reports, the helicopter crashed at the backyard of a home in Orchard Park.

A helicopter crashed in United States' Pennsylvania on Thursday night killing two people. According to local media reports, the helicopter crashed at the backyard of a home in Orchard Park. The helicopter was travelling from Washington DC and was being used for medical transport when it crashed with two people on board. No one on the ground has been hurt. No property damage was also reported. The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash. The helicopter crashed around 8:30 pm (local time). According to the local media report, police and fire crews responded to the scene as soon as they receive a 911 call. As police reached the spot they found the aircraft has gone down in the fenced yard of the home.

2 people killed as helicopter crashes in residential area of Pennsylvania

<p>Taiwanese rescuers were searching for the chief of military staff and two major generals who went missing after a helicopter crash landed Thursday, the defence ministry said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The UH-60M <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-lacks-pilots-engineers-to-handle-black-hawk-copters-us-watchdog-warns-195285">Black Hawk</a> helicopter carrying 13 people including chief of general staff <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-asks-us-for-new-fighter-jets-to-defend-against-china-201759">General Shen Yi-ming</a> made the crash landing in the mountains near Taipei for unknown reasons, it said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ministry said ten people have been found alive while rescuers were searching for Shen, 62, and two others that were still missing. They were on a routine mission to visit soldiers in the northeast Yilan county ahead of the lunar new year.</p>

<p>Air force commander Hsiung Hou-chi said the aircraft disappeared from radar less than 15 minutes after taking off and the ministry has set up a taskforce to investigate the incident.</p>

<p>"The search and rescue operation continues... We are investigating whether (the cause) was environmental or mechanical... the aircraft's condition is not ideal," Hsiung told reporters.</p>

<p>"We hope everyone can be safe and we should know the results this afternoon," he said, adding that the ministry has dispatched ground troops and rescue helicopters for the operation.</p>

<p>An air force official said some on board were "trapped under&nbsp;fragments of the helicopter" without elaborating.</p>

<p>Hou You-yi, mayor of New <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-rattles-sabre-and-offers-friendship-days-before-taiwans-elections-271145">Taipei City</a> where the crash landing site was, said 11 people have been rescued while two were still unaccounted for without identifying them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A New Taipei City fire department official told local TV stations that Shen had been found alive, although the defence ministry was yet to confirm.</p>

<p>"It had been raining in the mountains in the past few days, the mountain roads are muddy and very steep. We are racing against time," said Chen Chung-chi, a supervisor of the operation. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-leader-rejects-chinas-offer-to-unify-under-hong-kong-model-271327">Tsai Ing-wen</a>'s office said she has cancelled her schedule for the rest of the day to monitor the rescue.</p>


Taiwanese rescuers were searching for the chief of military staff and two major generals who went missing after a helicopter crash landed Thursday, the defence ministry said.

Taiwanese rescuers were searching for the chief of military staff and two major generals who went missing after a helicopter crash landed Thursday, the defence ministry said. The UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter carrying 13 people including chief of general staff General Shen Yi-ming made the crash landing in the mountains near Taipei for unknown reasons, it said in a statement. The ministry said ten people have been found alive while rescuers were searching for Shen, 62, and two others that were still missing. They were on a routine mission to visit soldiers in the northeast Yilan county ahead of the lunar new year. Air force commander Hsiung Hou-chi said the aircraft disappeared from radar less than 15 minutes after taking off and the ministry has set up a taskforce to investigate the incident. "The search and rescue operation continues... We are investigating whether (the cause) was environmental or mechanical... the aircraft's condition is not ideal," Hsiung told reporters. "We hope everyone can be safe and we should know the results this afternoon," he said, adding that the ministry has dispatched ground troops and rescue helicopters for the operation. An air force official said some on board were "trapped under fragments of the helicopter" without elaborating. Hou You-yi, mayor of New Taipei City where the crash landing site was, said 11 people have been rescued while two were still unaccounted for without identifying them. A New Taipei City fire department official told local TV stations that Shen had been found alive, although the defence ministry was yet to confirm. "It had been raining in the mountains in the past few days, the mountain roads are muddy and very steep. We are racing against time," said Chen Chung-chi, a supervisor of the operation. President Tsai Ing-wen's office said she has cancelled her schedule for the rest of the day to monitor the rescue.

Taiwan's military chief of staff missing after helicopter crash

<p>The remains of six people were found at the crash site who aboard a tour helicopter that went missing in Hawaii, officials said on Friday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The sightseeing helicopter which had seven passengers crashed in a remote area when it was nearing the end of an air tour of the island's famed Na Pali Coast.</p>

<p><strong>Watch the video here:</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/remains-of-6-found-after-crash-of-a-hawaii-helicopter-270714/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>"The remains of six individuals were recovered Friday afternoon at the site of the helicopter wreckage in Kokee near Nualolo," the county of Kauai said in a statement.</p>

<p>The victims' identities are being kept confidential until next of kin could be notified.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The statement added that the recovery mission was suspended on Friday due to bad weather and would resume on Saturday morning.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are heartbroken by this tragedy and we continue to ask the public to consider the sensitive nature of this devastating situation," said Kauai's mayor, Derek Kawakami.</p>

<p>"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of all victims," he said.</p>

<p>The reason for the crash was still to be determined. However, Kauai County fire battalion chief Solomon Kanoho said that the area where the helicopter went down witnessed "some very bad weather" beforehand.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, it was confirmed that the aircraft from Safari Helicopters was missing at around 6:00 pm on Thursday (0400 GMT Friday).</p>

<p>After the confirmation, the Coast Guard, local police and fire departments and other agencies launched a search to find the helicopter.</p>

<p>(<em>with inputs from AFP and Reuters</em>)</p>


The remains of six people were found at the crash site who aboard a tour helicopter that went missing in Hawaii, officials said on Friday. The sightseeing helicopter which had seven passengers crashed in a remote area when it was nearing the end of an air tour of the island's famed Na Pali Coast.

The remains of six people were found at the crash site who aboard a tour helicopter that went missing in Hawaii, officials said on Friday. The sightseeing helicopter which had seven passengers crashed in a remote area when it was nearing the end of an air tour of the island's famed Na Pali Coast. Watch the video here: "The remains of six individuals were recovered Friday afternoon at the site of the helicopter wreckage in Kokee near Nualolo," the county of Kauai said in a statement. The victims' identities are being kept confidential until next of kin could be notified. The statement added that the recovery mission was suspended on Friday due to bad weather and would resume on Saturday morning. "We are heartbroken by this tragedy and we continue to ask the public to consider the sensitive nature of this devastating situation," said Kauai's mayor, Derek Kawakami. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of all victims," he said. The reason for the crash was still to be determined. However, Kauai County fire battalion chief Solomon Kanoho said that the area where the helicopter went down witnessed "some very bad weather" beforehand. Earlier, it was confirmed that the aircraft from Safari Helicopters was missing at around 6:00 pm on Thursday (0400 GMT Friday). After the confirmation, the Coast Guard, local police and fire departments and other agencies launched a search to find the helicopter. (with inputs from AFP and Reuters)

Hawaii helicopter crash: Remains of six people found

<p>The black boxes from two <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../thirteen-french-soldiers-fighting-jihadists-in- mali-killed-in-helicopter-crash-264659">French military helicopters</a> that collided in Mali killing 13 soldiers have been found, a French military spokesman said Wednesday.</p>

<p>The crash occurred late Monday during an operation against jihadists in the Liptako region, near the borders with Burkina Faso and Niger. It was the heaviest single loss for the French military in nearly four decades.</p>

<p>"The two black boxes from the helicopters have been recovered, they will be handed over to the relevant authorities to be analysed," the spokesman, Colonel Frederic Barbry, told BFMTV.</p>

<p>Three helicopters and a squadron of Mirage jets had arrived on Monday to support ground troops pursuing Islamist extremists.</p>

<p>Shortly after troops engaged the insurgents, who fled on motorbikes and in a pickup truck, a Tiger attack helicopter collided with a Cougar military transport helicopter, killing all 13 onboard the two aircraft.</p>

<p>Barbry said no theory as to the cause of the crash is being ruled out, and it would be up to the investigation team to determine why the collision occurred.</p>

<p>The conditions for flying at the time of the crash were "extremely difficult" because it was a dark night with no moonlight, the spokesman said.</p>

<p>"The pilots work with night vision binoculars that intensify the residual light when there is no moon, no sources of artificial light like in cities, as is the case in this region."</p>

<p>Barbry said the soldiers' bodies will be repatriated to the French mainland.</p>

<p>The accident brought to 41 the number of French troops killed in the Sahel region since Paris intervened against Al-Qaeda-affiliated jihadists in Mali in 2013.</p>

<p>It also underscored the challenge for France of trying to control an insurgency in an area the size of Western Europe as a time of escalating violence.</p>


The black boxes from two French military helicopters that collided in Mali killing 13 soldiers have been found, a French military spokesman said Wednesday. The crash occurred late Monday during an operation against jihadists in the Liptako region, near the borders with Burkina Faso and Niger.

The black boxes from two French military helicopters that collided in Mali killing 13 soldiers have been found, a French military spokesman said Wednesday. The crash occurred late Monday during an operation against jihadists in the Liptako region, near the borders with Burkina Faso and Niger. It was the heaviest single loss for the French military in nearly four decades. "The two black boxes from the helicopters have been recovered, they will be handed over to the relevant authorities to be analysed," the spokesman, Colonel Frederic Barbry, told BFMTV. Three helicopters and a squadron of Mirage jets had arrived on Monday to support ground troops pursuing Islamist extremists. Shortly after troops engaged the insurgents, who fled on motorbikes and in a pickup truck, a Tiger attack helicopter collided with a Cougar military transport helicopter, killing all 13 onboard the two aircraft. Barbry said no theory as to the cause of the crash is being ruled out, and it would be up to the investigation team to determine why the collision occurred. The conditions for flying at the time of the crash were "extremely difficult" because it was a dark night with no moonlight, the spokesman said. "The pilots work with night vision binoculars that intensify the residual light when there is no moon, no sources of artificial light like in cities, as is the case in this region." Barbry said the soldiers' bodies will be repatriated to the French mainland. The accident brought to 41 the number of French troops killed in the Sahel region since Paris intervened against Al-Qaeda-affiliated jihadists in Mali in 2013. It also underscored the challenge for France of trying to control an insurgency in an area the size of Western Europe as a time of escalating violence.

Black boxes from crashed helicopters found in Mali

History of helicopter crashes in New York

<p>A<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-killed-in-un-helicopter-crash-in-disputed-region-196377"> helicopter crashed </a>onto the fog-shrouded roof of a midtown Manhattan skyscraper on Monday, killing at least one person and unnerving a city still scarred by memories of September 11, 2001, airplane attacks on the World Trade Center.</p>

<p>The crash occurred shortly before 2 pm&nbsp;(1800 GMT) on a rainy, grey day atop the 750-foot (229m) AXA Equitable Center at 787 Seventh Avenue, a few blocks north of Times Square. Dozens of emergency vehicles swarmed the area, shutting down traffic and evacuating offices in one of the city`s busiest areas.</p>

<p>The person killed is "presumed" to be the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-pilot-steered-helicopter-from-crowds-before-beijing-crash-155750">pilot</a>, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said at a news conference. No injuries, either to people in the building or on the ground, have been reported.</p>

<p>"The helicopter is pretty obliterated at this point. It was obviously a very hard hit," de Blasio said during the briefing.</p>

<p>He said the cause was unknown but that there was no indication the crash was an "act of terrorism." It was not clear if limited visibility due to the weather was a contributing factor.</p>

<p>Nicolas Estevez was standing across the street from the building when a 12-inch (30 cm) piece of metal that appeared to be from the helicopter landed on the pavement just feet away.</p>

<p>The crash, which sent people streaming out of the building within seconds, reminded him of Sept. 11, Estevez said.</p>

<p>"I saw the explosion and the smoke coming out," he said.</p>

<p>The Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement that the aircraft was an Agusta A109E, a twin-engine, lightweight helicopter. The pilot was the only person aboard, and FAA air traffic controllers did not handle the flight, according to the agency.</p>

<p>The chopper took off from a heliport on Manhattan`s east side at 1:32 p.m. and crash-landed on the building 11 minutes later, causing a fire that was quickly extinguished by responding firefighters, officials said.</p>

<p>The site is about half a mile from Trump Tower, where US&nbsp;President Donald Trump maintains an apartment. The area has been under a temporary flight restriction since his election in November 2016.</p>

<p>The pilot would have required permission from air control at La Guardia Airport in New York, and investigators are trying to determine if the pilot was in contact with the tower there or at any other airport, de Blasio said.</p>

<p>Nathan Hutton, who works in information technology for the French bank BNP Paribas on the 29th floor, said the building shook when the helicopter slammed into the roof.</p>

<p>"It felt like you were just standing there, and someone takes their hand and just shoves you," he said. "You felt it through the whole building."</p>

<p>Trump called New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who was at the scene soon after the crash, to offer assistance if needed, the governor`s office said.</p>

<p>"Phenomenal job by our GREAT First Responders who are currently on the scene," Trump said on Twitter after being briefed on the crash. "The Trump Administration stands ready should you need anything at all."</p>

<p>Cuomo told reporters shortly after the incident that there was no indication of terrorism, while acknowledging that it likely stirred memories of Sept. 11 for many city residents.</p>

<p>"If you`re a New Yorker, you have a level of PTSD from 9/11," he said.</p>

<p>The AXA Equitable Center was built in 1985 and includes more than 50 floors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In addition to BNP Paribas, the building houses offices for a number of other corporate tenants, including law firms Willkie Farr &amp; Gallagher and Sidley Austin and investment manager New Mountain Capital. Le Bernardin, one of New York City`s most celebrated restaurants, is also located in the AXA building.</p>

<p>The skyscraper is managed by the Los Angeles-based CommonWealth Partners. Reached by telephone, LeAnn Holsapple, the office manager for CommonWealth, said the company had "no comment at this time."</p>

<p>Manhattan has three heliports in operation. Rooftop helipads were banned in New York City in 1977 after a rotor blade snapped on a helicopter on the top of the former Pan Am building, killing five people.</p>

<p>Helicopters are a regular sight in the air around Manhattan, and they have occasionally been involved in crashes.</p>

<p>Nearly a month ago, a chopper crashed into the Hudson River in New York City shortly after taking off from Manhattan, injuring two people. A sightseeing helicopter went down in New York City`s East River in March 2018, killing five passengers.</p>


A helicopter crashed onto the fog-shrouded roof of a midtown Manhattan skyscraper on Monday, killing at least one person and unnerving a city still scarred by memories of September 11, 2001, airplane attacks on the World Trade Center.

A helicopter crashed onto the fog-shrouded roof of a midtown Manhattan skyscraper on Monday, killing at least one person and unnerving a city still scarred by memories of September 11, 2001, airplane attacks on the World Trade Center. The crash occurred shortly before 2 pm (1800 GMT) on a rainy, grey day atop the 750-foot (229m) AXA Equitable Center at 787 Seventh Avenue, a few blocks north of Times Square. Dozens of emergency vehicles swarmed the area, shutting down traffic and evacuating offices in one of the city`s busiest areas. The person killed is "presumed" to be the pilot, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said at a news conference. No injuries, either to people in the building or on the ground, have been reported. "The helicopter is pretty obliterated at this point. It was obviously a very hard hit," de Blasio said during the briefing. He said the cause was unknown but that there was no indication the crash was an "act of terrorism." It was not clear if limited visibility due to the weather was a contributing factor. Nicolas Estevez was standing across the street from the building when a 12-inch (30 cm) piece of metal that appeared to be from the helicopter landed on the pavement just feet away. The crash, which sent people streaming out of the building within seconds, reminded him of Sept. 11, Estevez said. "I saw the explosion and the smoke coming out," he said. The Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement that the aircraft was an Agusta A109E, a twin-engine, lightweight helicopter. The pilot was the only person aboard, and FAA air traffic controllers did not handle the flight, according to the agency. The chopper took off from a heliport on Manhattan`s east side at 1:32 p.m. and crash-landed on the building 11 minutes later, causing a fire that was quickly extinguished by responding firefighters, officials said. The site is about half a mile from Trump Tower, where US President Donald Trump maintains an apartment. The area has been under a temporary flight restriction since his election in November 2016. The pilot would have required permission from air control at La Guardia Airport in New York, and investigators are trying to determine if the pilot was in contact with the tower there or at any other airport, de Blasio said. Nathan Hutton, who works in information technology for the French bank BNP Paribas on the 29th floor, said the building shook when the helicopter slammed into the roof. "It felt like you were just standing there, and someone takes their hand and just shoves you," he said. "You felt it through the whole building." Trump called New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who was at the scene soon after the crash, to offer assistance if needed, the governor`s office said. "Phenomenal job by our GREAT First Responders who are currently on the scene," Trump said on Twitter after being briefed on the crash. "The Trump Administration stands ready should you need anything at all." Cuomo told reporters shortly after the incident that there was no indication of terrorism, while acknowledging that it likely stirred memories of Sept. 11 for many city residents. "If you`re a New Yorker, you have a level of PTSD from 9/11," he said. The AXA Equitable Center was built in 1985 and includes more than 50 floors. In addition to BNP Paribas, the building houses offices for a number of other corporate tenants, including law firms Willkie Farr & Gallagher and Sidley Austin and investment manager New Mountain Capital. Le Bernardin, one of New York City`s most celebrated restaurants, is also located in the AXA building. The skyscraper is managed by the Los Angeles-based CommonWealth Partners. Reached by telephone, LeAnn Holsapple, the office manager for CommonWealth, said the company had "no comment at this time." Manhattan has three heliports in operation. Rooftop helipads were banned in New York City in 1977 after a rotor blade snapped on a helicopter on the top of the former Pan Am building, killing five people. Helicopters are a regular sight in the air around Manhattan, and they have occasionally been involved in crashes. Nearly a month ago, a chopper crashed into the Hudson River in New York City shortly after taking off from Manhattan, injuring two people. A sightseeing helicopter went down in New York City`s East River in March 2018, killing five passengers.

Helicopter pilot presumed killed in crash atop fog-shrouded Manhattan skyscraper

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