Helicopter Crashes in South London

[Spectral Morn]

Just seeing the news that a helicopter (an Agusta A109) has crashed into a crane on top of a high rise at Vauxhall, near the tube station and the m16 building. The Wandsworth S8 road is closed as emergency teams try to sort the mess out.

There are two dead, two injured on the ground and reports of a body in the Thames.

I hope no AOS members are caught up in or will be affected by this.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2013/jan/16/helicopter-crash-in-vauxhall-live-updates

[Haselsh1]

This is dreadful news.

[walpurgis]

Yes, looks a right mess. Central London will be complete chaos for days now. God knows what went through that poor pilot's head when he saw that crane appear in front of him out of the fog. Doesn't bear thinking about.

[Spectral Morn]

Update.....

Reports now confirm two dead, the pilot, one on the ground and 9 injured and one of those critical. Those of faith please pray for the injured and all those involved in this terrible on going incident.

As terrible as this is it could have been so much worse, as a railway bridge is nearby - as I have been watching many tube trains have gone over it both ways - and the part of the Wandsworth road were bits of the crane and helicopter fell were unusually not as busy as normal - according to witnesses. Initial thoughts were this was a failed terrorist attack on the mi6 building but witness reports seem to be pointing to it being a tragic accident only.

[synsei]

It is being reported that it was a tragic accident Neil. I know this area very well and I am absolutely staggered and relieved that there were not more casualties. This area can be very busy at the best of times but during rush hour it is a nightmare usually.

There are suggestions from witnesses that the helo may have been off course due to thick fog and the pilot just didn't see the crane until it was too late. Thankfully he was the only person onboard. The helo was en route to Redhill Aerodrome however the pilot requested that he be re-routed to Battersea Heliport due to adverse weather conditions. He was on his way into Battersea when he hit the crane.

There have been some remarkable instances of good fortune attached to this story. The driver of the crane was due to begin operations at 8:00am but was running late due to heavy traffic. Two guys walking to work down Wandsworth Road witnessed the helo crash into the crane and then it began to spin out of control heading right for them. Shocked at what they were witnessing, they started to run from the scene as the helo crashed onto the road beside them. Both men are uninjured and know they are very lucky to be alive.

[Spectral Morn]

It is being reported that it was a tragic accident Neil. I know this area very well and I am absolutely staggered and relieved that there were not more casualties. This area can be very busy at the best of times but during rush hour it is a nightmare usually.

There are suggestions from witnesses that the helo may have been off course due to thick fog and the pilot just didn't see the crane until it was too late. Thankfully he was the only person onboard. The helo was en route to Redhill Aerodrome however the pilot requested that he be re-routed to Battersea Heliport due to adverse weather conditions. He was on his way into Battersea when he hit the crane.

There have been some remarkable instances of good fortune attached to this story. The driver of the crane was due to begin operations at 8:00am but was running late due to heavy traffic. Two guys walking to work down Wandsworth Road witnessed the helo crash into the crane and then it began to spin out of control heading right for them. Shocked at what they were witnessing, they started to run from the scene as the helo crashed onto the road beside them. Both men are uninjured and know they are very lucky to be alive.

One report I heard Dave was it was heading to Elstree before it was diverted due to the fog. I wonder if its too much of a leap to wonder, was it going to pick up someone or persons in the film industry.

No doubt about it this could have been much, much worse though that is no consolation to the loved ones of those who are dead and injured.

Regards Neil

[synsei]

I just heard the Elstree report too Neil. Initial reports were quite confused as is normal during such incidents. There is a lot of speculation as the news channels thrash about for a good story, it really is quite unpleasant. I feel for the families of the two who died. :(

[Dingdong]

It was a good day for the crane driver to be late for work. Bet he feels a bit relieved.

Thoughts go to those that will be missing a family member though.

[Haselsh1]

For the lucky ones I guess every cloud really does have a silver lining.

[John]

I have a service in the area. So staff would use that station.
It could of been so much worse and my thoughts goes to those caught up in this