A small helicopter crashed into the water off the coast of Miami on Wednesday, killing at least one person and seriously injuring two others, local officials confirmed. The incident took place shortly after 11 a.m. near Nixon Beach, which is located off Key Biscayne in Florida. The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office further specified that the crash site was situated near Bill Baggs State Park.
The U.S. Coast Guard verified that one of the three individuals aboard the aircraft died in the accident. The remaining two survivors were transported to a trauma center for treatment. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue crews responded to the scene and successfully rescued two people from the water, according to reports from The Associated Press.
Preliminary information from the National Transportation Safety Board suggests that the aircraft, identified as a Robinson R44 II, was likely conducting a photography flight at the time of the crash. This type of helicopter is commonly used for aerial imaging and sightseeing tours in the region.
Authorities provided details regarding the medical response to the incident. A statement reported by NBC Miami noted that a total of three patients were involved. Two adult patients were transported by ground rescue units from the City of Miami Fire Rescue and Key Biscayne Fire Rescue to a designated landing zone. From there, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Air Rescue units took the patients to a main trauma center.
Aerial footage captured from the scene showed the yellow emergency floats of the helicopter resting in the water. These floats were visible near a Miami-Dade Fire Rescue boat positioned off the 1200 block of Crandon Boulevard. Divers were also observed working in the water near the wreckage, assisting in the recovery and investigation efforts.
As of the latest updates, officials have not publicly identified the three people who were aboard the helicopter. The investigation into the specific cause of the crash is ongoing, with authorities gathering evidence to determine what led to the accident.
This is a developing news story, and further details are expected as the investigation proceeds and more information becomes available from local and federal agencies.
