Update: 5 Occupants, Pilot of Downed Helicopter Evacuated, Taken to Hospital

Update 7:35 p.m.

A tour helicopter that went down around South Point east of Pohue Bay Beach Wednesday evening was identified as an aircraft operated by Paradise Helicopters.

As of 7:14 p.m., the five occupants and pilot were evacuated and are in transport to a nearby hospital. It is unknown the severity of their injuries at this time.

Hawai‘i Fire Department reports Paradise Helicopters will be responsible for the crash site and is coordinating with the Federal Aviation Administration.

Original story

Rescue crews are responding to a helicopter crash that occurred at approximately 5:30 p.m.

According to Hawai‘i Fire Department, Chopper I just arrived on scene, where the downed aircraft was located approximately 3 miles from Poko Drive.

Preliminary reports indicate six occupants self-extricated and are walking around.

This is a developing story. More information will be provided as it becomes available.