The wreckage of the helicopter that crashed into a fishpond in Bulacan on Thursday. INQUIRER photo / Carmela Reyes-Esterope
CITY OF MALOLOS–A helicopter crashed into a fishpond in a village here about 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, killing three passengers.
Sen. Richard Gordon, chairman of Philippine Red Cross (PRC) confirmed that three passengers have died in the crash.
UPDATE. Death toll rose to 3 in a helicopter crash in Malolos, Bulacan. Other injured passengers were already transported by our @philredcross team to Bulacan Medical Center.
— Richard J. Gordon (@DickGordonDG) April 25, 2019
Investigator Police Corporal Danilo Torres also confirmed to INQUIRER.net in a phone interview that three passengers, including its pilot, have died.
Initially, Police Col. Chito Bersaluna, Bulacan police director, said two died instantly when the helicopter, with body marking RP C8098, crashlanded in Barangay Anilao.
Another male passenger was taken to the nearest hospital due to injuries sustained after the crash, Bersaluna said.
The passenger was later declared dead by its attending physician.
After the Police Regional Office 3 received information about the crash, the Bulacan police dispatched teams to conduct search and rescue operations as there might be other victims who needed help.
It was not immediately known where the helicopter came from and where it was headed.
The Bulacan PNP said police personnel are also responding in the area to investigate the crash.
The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) said around six passengers were on board the helicopter.
A private helicopter crashed in a fishpond in Brgy. Anilao, Malolos Bulacan at 1:04 this afternoon, April 25. PRC dispatched an ambulance and a medical team and coordinated with local authorities. The team immediately provided first aid and CPR to affected passengers. pic.twitter.com/lFJH0zKc2i
— Philippine Red Cross (@philredcross) April 25, 2019
PRC’s Ambulance Team also rushed one injured passenger to the Bulacan Medical Center.
Authorities have yet to identify the victims. /jpv