A helicopter has crashed into a field near Shanklin Road on the Isle of Wight, sparking a major emergency response and leaving locals in shock.
At 09:24 BST on Monday morning, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary received reports of the crash close to the A3020 Shanklin Road, prompting swift action from multiple emergency services.
“We were called at 09:24 to a report that a helicopter had come down in a field near the A3020 Shanklin Road. The road is closed due to the number of emergency services vehicles at the scene, so please avoid the area at this time,” said a police spokesperson.
Authorities have yet to confirm how many people were on board or if there have been any casualties. Police have cordoned off the area, urging the public to stay away while crews continue to assess the scene.
Eyewitness Says “It was spiralling”
One witness, Leigh Goldsmith, described a terrifying sight as the helicopter spiralled before crashing into a hedge.
She told the Isle of Wight County Press she had been driving toward Shanklin when she spotted the aircraft going down.
“It was spiralling,” she said.
Goldsmith rushed to the crash site and said it looked like airbags had deployed underneath the helicopter.
Emergency Services Flood Scene
In a coordinated emergency response, the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance was dispatched within minutes.
A spokesperson said: “The critical care team consisting of a doctor and a specialist paramedic, are on scene working alongside our emergency service colleagues.”
Crews from Newport, Ventnor, and Shanklin fire stations also responded promptly to reports of the crash.
“Firefighters from Newport, Ventnor and Shanklin were called out shortly before 09.30am on Monday, 25 August, following reports of a light aircraft incident near Shanklin Road,” confirmed the Fire and Rescue Service.
Road Closures and Ongoing Investigation
As investigations continue, Shanklin Road remains closed, causing traffic disruption in the surrounding area. No timeline has yet been provided for when it will reopen.
Police and aviation authorities are expected to carry out a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash. With few details released so far, speculation remains high.
Locals urged to remain patient as emergency crews manage the aftermath of a helicopter crash that could have turned far worse.
