One person has been airlifted to hospital after a helicopter crashed into a field on the Isle of Wight, emergency services say.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary were called to the scene of a “light aircraft crash” off Shanklin Road near Ventnor at 9.24am, the force said.
A critical care team, including a doctor and specialist paramedic, was also sent, Hants and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance added, alongside fire engines and other emergency vehicles.
A spokesperson for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance said in a statement: “We have treated and airlifted one patient to the Major Trauma Centre, University Hospital Southampton. Our thoughts are with them, and everyone involved in today’s incident.”
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch confirmed it was alerted to the incident and is sending a team to investigate.
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A witness, Leigh Goldsmith, told the Isle of Wight County Press she saw the helicopter “spiralling” before crashing into a hedge as she drove along a nearby road on Monday morning.
She claimed she saw four people on board and believed the aircraft’s airbags had been activated.
“The road is closed due to the number of emergency services vehicles at the scene, so please avoid the area at this time,” police said in their statement.
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