Pawan hans helicopter
Pawan Hans helicopter [Representational Image].Reuters

At least one person died while three others were injured after an helicopter crashed near Royal Palms in Aarey Colony located in Goregaon East in Mumbai on Sunday. The chopper had taken off from Juhu and is completely burnt.

Five fire engines were rushed to the spot to douse the flames around 1:20 p.m. while the injured were shifted to the Seven Hills Hospital for medical assistance. The fire is under control now. 

The helicopter 'Robinson R44', made in 1992, is believed to have crashed in the Filter Pada area of Aarey Colony around 11:30 a.m. but the fire brigade recived an emergency call only around 12:19 p.m., Mumbai Fire Chief Rahangdale told the Indian Express.

The helicopter was carrying four passengers that included two crew members.

According to officials, the preliminary investigation revealed that fire was noticed in the helicopter while it was in air following which it was forced to crash land on an open ground in Aarey Colony. 

Media reports had earlier said that four people had been injured. Of the four injured, a pilot Praful Mishra was declared dead upon arrival in the hospital due to severe burn and trauma injuries.

"One dead, three injured in Goregaon helicopter crash. Injured being treated in hospital. Investigation underway," Deputy Commissioner of Police Kiran Kumar Chavan told reporters.

Seven Hills Hospital Superintendent Dr Raj Karva told the daily that a male passenger Ritesh Modi, who took the joy ride along with Bindra Modi, is critical with multiple head and chest injuries.

"A lady (Brinda) has been brought with 35 per cent burns. She is conscious," Karva said. Another passenger named Sanjay Shankar, a technician who was travelling in the chopper, suffered fractures to his hand, but is stable.

The chopper originally belonged to Pawan Hans and was later sold to Aman Aviation — private aviation company that operates out of Juhu — to be used for joy rides.

More details are awaited.

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