Isle of Wight Helicopter Crash: Four On Board

A helicopter has crashed into a field on the Isle of Wight, prompting a significant response from emergency services. The incident occurred on Monday morning near Ventnor, off Shanklin Road, Daily Dazzling Dawn understands.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary confirmed they were called to the scene of a "light aircraft crash" at 9:24 a.m. The location of the crash is a field adjacent to the A3020 Shanklin Road.

Multiple emergency services, including fire crews from Newport, Ventnor, and Shanklin, were dispatched. The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance also sent a critical care team, which included a doctor and a specialist paramedic, to the scene.

A witness, Leigh Goldsmith, recounted seeing the helicopter "spiralling" before it crashed into a hedge as she drove by. Goldsmith, who was reportedly the first person at the scene, said she saw four people on board and believed the aircraft's airbags had been activated, suggesting a potential safety feature deployment.

The number of people injured and the extent of their injuries have not yet been confirmed by authorities. The cause of the crash is also unknown at this time, and an investigation by air accident authorities is expected to follow.

Police have closed the road due to the high volume of emergency vehicles and have advised the public to avoid the area. The full extent of the damage to the aircraft and the surrounding area is still being assessed. Further updates are expected as the situation develops.

A spokesman for the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said: "The AAIB was notified of an accident involving a light helicopter on the Isle of Wight this morning. We are deploying a team to commence an investigation."