Durban helicopter crash

Bystanders crowded the bridge near the N2/Umgeni Road interchange following a helicopter crash this morning. Photograph: ALS Paramedics/Garrith Jamieson

Helicopter Crash Latest: Watch rescue near Umgeni Road in Durban

Traffic is backed up in Durban after a helicopter crashed in the Umgeni River near the Umgeni Road/N2 Interchange on Monday morning.

Durban helicopter crash

Bystanders crowded the bridge near the N2/Umgeni Road interchange following a helicopter crash this morning. Photograph: ALS Paramedics/Garrith Jamieson

Paramedics have responded to the scene of a helicopter crash in Durban near the Umgeni Road Interchange in the vicinity of the N2 bridge on Monday morning. 

ALS Paramedics spokesperson Garrith Jamieson said paramedics had received several reports of the helicopter crash. The helicopter crashed into the Umgeni River.

“ALS paramedics have received multiple calls of a helicopter crash hear the Umgeni interchange off the N2 bridge at this stage units almost on scene and bystanders standing by. SAPS search and Rescuers  is at the scene. The number of casualties and fatalities is unknown at this stage,” Jamieson sai

Jamieson said that when paramedics arrived at the scene a few minutes later it had become evident that access to the scene of the crash was going to be extremely difficult. 

“KZN VIP Paramedics together with Durban Fire and SAPS Search and Rescue are currently on the scene of a helicopter crash near the Umgeni river. It is actually under the service road between Umgeni Road and Inanda Road. There are injuries on the scene, it is extremely difficult to access. Rescuers are on the site and ambulances are making their way through to assist,” he said.

Watch the rescue video here:

Marshall Security community support spokesperson, Andreas Mathios, was one of the first responders at the scene of the crash. He said there was “absolute chaos” in the area of the helicopter crash. This is a developing story and further updates will be provided.