PMRF helicopter crash results in 4 fatalities

KEKAHA — Officials at the U.S. Navy Pacific Missile Range Facility at Barking Sands have confirmed there are four fatalities related to a helicopter crash that occurred earlier today.

Names are not available at this time.

A civilian-contracted helicopter operated by Croman Corporation supporting a training operation crashed near the north side of the installation shortly after 10 a.m. Tuesday, PMRF confirmed.

The National Transportation Safety Board reported the crash of a Sikorsky S-61N helicopter. NTSB investigators should arrive Wednesday evening.

Kaua‘i Police Department personnel were on hand assisting the Navy with perimeter security and investigation support, a KPD spokesperson said. Responders with the Kaua‘i Fire Department Waimea Fire Station Engine 7 and Truck 7 along with the on-duty Battalion Chief initially responded to the scene, but their assistance was not required.

An investigation will commence to determine the cause of the accident. Information on casualties will be released when available.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.