HONOLULU (KHON2) — Emergency crews are responding to a report of a downed helicopter in waters near the Arizona Memorial.
The Navy says that five passengers were safely recovered after the civilian helicopter went down in the waters of Pearl Harbor at about 10:30 a.m. today in the area near the Ford Island bridge and the National Park Service Pearl Harbor Visitor Center.
Honolulu Emergency Medical Services treated a total of three patients. A 16-year-old boy was treated by EMS and transported to an area hospital in critical condition. A 50-year-old man and a 45-year-old woman were treated and transported to the hospital in stable condition.
The other two patients were treated and transported by the Federal Fire Department’s medical crews on their ambulances.
Witnesses tell KHON2 that the helicopter came to rest in the water upside down and they dove into the water to free the injured victims.
Operations at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, including visits to the USS Arizona Memorial have been suspended until further notice. FFD and security personnel have immediately secured the area to conduct their investigation.
The FAA issued a statement that the helicopter involved in the crash is a Bell 206 helicopter. FAA investigators are on their way and the NTSB has been notified. The helicopter reportedly belongs to Genesis Aviation.
