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2 die in police helicopter crash amid violent protests in Charlottesville 2 die in police helicopter crash amid violent protests in Charlottesville
(about 2 hours later)
A police helicopter that was reportedly monitoring the protests and violence in Charlottesville, Virginia has crashed in a wooded area, killing two people on board.A police helicopter that was reportedly monitoring the protests and violence in Charlottesville, Virginia has crashed in a wooded area, killing two people on board.
READ MORE: 1 killed, more ‘extremely’ injured after car plows into protesters at Charlottesville rally (VIDEOS)READ MORE: 1 killed, more ‘extremely’ injured after car plows into protesters at Charlottesville rally (VIDEOS)
Two people died in the crash, Virginia State Police confirmed, adding that police are investigating the incident. No injuries on the ground have been reported.Two people died in the crash, Virginia State Police confirmed, adding that police are investigating the incident. No injuries on the ground have been reported.
Fire units and police are at the scene.Fire units and police are at the scene.
The helicopter crashed near Old Farm Road in Albemarle County, which is just outside the city.The helicopter crashed near Old Farm Road in Albemarle County, which is just outside the city.
"Shortly before 5 p.m. today (Aug. 12), a helicopter crashed into a wooded area near a residence on Old Farm Road. There are two confirmed fatalities," Virginia State Police said in a statement on Facebook."Shortly before 5 p.m. today (Aug. 12), a helicopter crashed into a wooded area near a residence on Old Farm Road. There are two confirmed fatalities," Virginia State Police said in a statement on Facebook.
Witnesses CBS19 News that the helicopter went down in the woods, and that a strong smell of burning was in the air. Police have sealed off the area.Witnesses CBS19 News that the helicopter went down in the woods, and that a strong smell of burning was in the air. Police have sealed off the area.
A photo on Twitter claimed to be taken at the scene shows a large fire amid the trees. Earlier, a video taken from a nearby golf course showed black smoke rising from the area.A photo on Twitter claimed to be taken at the scene shows a large fire amid the trees. Earlier, a video taken from a nearby golf course showed black smoke rising from the area.
The helicopter was seen hovering at a low altitude over the houses before the crash occurred, witnesses told the Richmond Times Dispatch.The helicopter was seen hovering at a low altitude over the houses before the crash occurred, witnesses told the Richmond Times Dispatch.
US President Donald Trump expressed his condolences to the families and colleagues of the police officers killed in the helicopter crash.US President Donald Trump expressed his condolences to the families and colleagues of the police officers killed in the helicopter crash.
“Deepest condolences to the families & fellow officers of the VA State Police who died today. You're all among the best this nation produces,” Trump wrote on Twitter.“Deepest condolences to the families & fellow officers of the VA State Police who died today. You're all among the best this nation produces,” Trump wrote on Twitter.
READ MORE: Trump condemns ‘display of hatred, bigotry & violence on many sides’ after Charlottesville clashes
The incident took place amid a state of emergency in downtown Charlottesville, which was initially imposed after clashes at the “Unite the Right” rally between alt-Right protesters and counter-demonstrators.The incident took place amid a state of emergency in downtown Charlottesville, which was initially imposed after clashes at the “Unite the Right” rally between alt-Right protesters and counter-demonstrators.
An apparent car ramming attack then took place at the rally, with a vehicle filmed plowing into the crowd at full speed. It reportedly hit at least one other vehicle before reversing rapidly away from the scene.An apparent car ramming attack then took place at the rally, with a vehicle filmed plowing into the crowd at full speed. It reportedly hit at least one other vehicle before reversing rapidly away from the scene.
One person was killed and at least 19 injured in the incident, which police have been handling as a homicide.One person was killed and at least 19 injured in the incident, which police have been handling as a homicide.