[MCBR]

A tragic incident unfolded in central London as a helicopter collided with a crane, resulting in two fatalities and injuring nine others. The helicopter struck the crane atop a tower block along the River Thames and subsequently crashed into a street during the morning rush hour. The collision led to a fiery explosion, with burning wreckage and aviation fuel scattering across the road. Witnesses reported cars on fire and the sound of people screaming.

Metropolitan police commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe confirmed that there were a total of 11 casualties, including two fatalities, one person in critical condition, and others with less severe injuries. The crash occurred just after 8 a.m. near Wandsworth Road in south Lambeth.

Fire and rescue services were inundated with emergency calls, and grey smoke billowed into the sky, near Battersea bridge. Witnesses took to social media to provide details, with some noting that the helicopter had struck a crane on a newly constructed tower block on the south bank of the Thames. The crash site was near a railway line and a branch of Sainsbury's.

The impact of the crash left the crane on the St George Wharf development in a precarious position, according to the fire brigade.

Video footage captured on a mobile phone showed the road blocked by burning wreckage and aviation fuel. Flames damaged the side of a building adjacent to the street, and an abandoned motorcycle lay on its side on the road.

Commuter Sherna Noah described seeing a "large plume of dark grey smoke" while crossing Battersea bridge around 8 a.m.

The incident caused severe traffic congestion, as roads were closed during the peak of rush hour. Low visibility was reported, and London City Airport in Docklands experienced delays due to the conditions.

Witnesses at an office near the scene reported a flash followed by the helicopter plummeting to the ground and exploding. The misty morning may have contributed to reduced visibility.

Emergency services quickly responded to the scene, and witnesses described the aftermath as surreal. Some compared the initial thud to an earthquake.

Sarah-Beth Casey, a resident in the vicinity, expressed her fear, particularly in the context of previous incidents like 9/11. She recounted hearing an explosion akin to a gas explosion and witnessing debris falling from the tower.

Matt Haverson, who was working on railway arches nearby, praised the coordinated efforts of people in extinguishing small fires and assisting others to safety. He initially feared a terrorist attack.

The crane was situated atop a building known as the Tower, part of the St George Wharf development and billed as one of Europe's tallest residential towers. The building is located near MI6 and is positioned on a busy roundabout.

Michael Gavin, an eyewitness, heard a loud bang and saw the helicopter's body and parts of the crane falling to the ground before the subsequent plume of smoke. Vauxhall underground station was temporarily closed, causing disruptions to Victoria line services.

[MCBR]

Video of the crash from distance.

[chefbob09]

30m ceiling due to fog and this retard decides to go flying

[kellyhound]

Wonder what height is allowed to fly over town.

[Exia Drgn]

This -is- just first post, go easy.

[LERK]

someone posted in current events section but otherwise good post.

[icheerthebull]

The final decision on flying is down to him, there was a lot of fog this morning. My guess is he said he wouldn't fly and was told by the bosses lording over him "fly or find yourself another job" won't come out in a inquest though, must always blame the working man

[jbell0129]

nice

[Sharon]

This happened very near where we live, about 15 min away. Thank God it didn't come down in a heavily populated shopping area!

[shooterb]

Great post.