Premium

‘Several fatalities’ after 2 civilian helicopters collide, crash in Finland: police

According to the police, the helicopters were flying the same route from Tallinn to Piikajärvi Airport in Kokemäki. One aircraft carried two people and the other three, as per the flight plan.

The wreckage of both helicopters were found about 100 metres apart in a wooded area. (Representational image)

Several people have died following a mid-air collision on Saturday between two civilian helicopters in Finland. Authorities are still working to confirm the total number of fatalities and identify the victims, the Finnish Police said in a statement.

Rescue and extinguishing operations are underway.

According to the police, the helicopters were flying the same route from Tallinn to Piikajärvi Airport in Kokemäki.

One aircraft carried two people and the other three, as per the flight plan. “The accident has resulted in several fatalities. The exact number of victims and the identities of the passengers are still being determined,” the statement read.

Story continues below this ad

The police have identified the pilots, but the identities of the passengers are still being verified.

The crash site is located approximately 700 metres from the Bypass Road in Eura municipality in Western Province of the country. The wreckage of both helicopters were found about 100 metres apart in a wooded area. Emergency services, including police and rescue units, have cordoned off the scene, though traffic on the nearby road remains unaffected.

The Finnish Police has taken over the preliminary investigation.

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram