A local news helicopter crashed outside of its station near the Seattle Space Needle this morning, striking cars below it and bursting into flames.
According to the Seattle Times, the Seattle Fire Department said the KOMO-TV News helicopter slid off the Fisher Plaza building, hitting at least three cars around 7:45 a.m. PDT. A 37-year-old man who was in one of the cars was reportedly hospitalized in critical condition. Though specific details have not been provided, additional injuries and casualties have been reported.
According to the Associated Press, the helicopter may have hit the side of the Fisher Plaza building as it was landing. This video shows the cars engulfed in flames with thick plumes of smoke billowing from the damage.
UPDATE: The Seattle Fire Department has confirmed that two people inside of the helicopter were found dead at the scene, while one has been taken to Harborview Medical Center in critical condition. The Seattle Police Department says the investigation will continue for "many hours."
This is a developing story, and we will continue to update it as more information becomes available. If you have any information, please forward it to cityguidetips@complex.com.
[via Seattle Times, Associated Press and Twitter]
