A helicopter crashed on Sunday in the Filter Pada area of at Aarey Colony, Goregaon. Two fire engines were rushed immediately to the spot. The crash took place near Royal Palms area. Those injured were rushed to Seven Hills hospital. Two people including pilot declared dead by the hospital authority whereas two are severe injured with a burn marks.
According to hospital superintendent Dr. Raj Karva, male passenger Ritesh Modi is in a critical condition. He, along with Bindra Modi, were on a joy ride, taking an aerial tour of the city. Ritesh has multiple head and chest injuries, Karva said. “A lady (Brinda) has been brought with 35 per cent burns. Later, she died,” he added. A third male — Sanjay Shankar — suffered fractures to his hand, but is stable. Shankar was the technician on-board the chopper. Pilot Praful Mishra was declared dead on arrival due to extensive burn and trauma injuries.
Officials said that the helicopter was carrying four people – two crew members and two passengers. The crash is believed to have taken place at 11.30 am but the fire brigade received the call at 12.19 pm, officials added.
The helicopter ‘Robinson R44 Astro’ was a private chopper belonged to Aman Aviation, which offers joy rides in the city. The helicopter was made in 1992. Locals rushed to the area to help. Local residents had alerted police and Fire Brigade after they spotted smoke billowing from the crash site.
Officials said that the preliminary investigation reveals that while the helicopter was in the air, a fire was noticed and the helicopter was forced to crash land in an open ground in Aarey colony.
