Cop killed in chopper crash
2007-11-21 15:19
Bloemfontein - A police officer was killed and eight others seriously injured in an SA Air Force helicopter crash in the Free State on Wednesday, the military said.
Seven other people had minor injuries.
The SA National Defence Force (SANDF) said in a statement that the Oryx helicopter was carrying 19 people when it crashed at about 11:40 near the Lesotho border.
On board were 14 police officers, two SANDF members and three SA Air Force helicopter crew.
A police officer died on the scene.
The injured were being airlifted to Bloemfontein's Pelonomi Hospital.
Superintendent Sam Makhele said earlier the aircraft was patrolling the Lesotho border when it crashed near Wepener.
- SAPA