Four dead in Australia helicopter crash

Four people have been killed in a fiery helicopter crash south of Sydney on Thursday at a popular clifftop function centre, according to media reports.

Police confirmed that a private chopper belonging to Bankstown Helicopters went down in a grassy clearing at Bulli Tops, about 50 kilometres (31 miles) from Sydney, although they could not confirm reports of four casualties.

"It's unclear at this stage how many people were on board the aircraft. However, there are no survivors," police said.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation said the craft, a four-seater Robinson R44, appeared to have clipped a tree before bursting into flames as it attempted to land at the scenic Panorama House function centre.

Workers at the centre's restaurant reported hearing a large bang and rushed outside to see the chopper engulfed in flames and a "great big black pool of smoke", according to the ABC.

"A crime scene has been secured and investigations into the incident are now underway," police said.

 

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