Three people were killed and two others injured when a tour helicopter crashed into the ocean off the coast of Kauaʻi, Hawaii, on Thursday afternoon, according to local authorities, as reported by The New York Post.

The helicopter, carrying a pilot and four passengers, went down near Kalalau Beach along the island’s northwest shoreline at approximately 3:45 p.m. local time, the Kauaʻi Police Department confirmed.

Emergency responders were alerted to the crash through the department’s text-to-911 system.

Officials said the aircraft, operated by island tour company Airborne Aviation, crashed roughly 100 yards offshore near the Nā Pali Coast, an area known for its steep cliffs and remote terrain.

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The U.S. Coast Guard assisted in responding to the incident, according to reports.

Authorities confirmed that three individuals were pronounced dead at the scene. Two survivors were transported to Wilcox Medical Center in Lihue for treatment. Their conditions were not immediately disclosed.

“This is a situation that is continuing to evolve,” Kauaʻi Mayor Derek Kawakami told KITV. He urged the public to avoid speculation as investigators work to determine what led to the crash.

Officials have not yet released the names of the victims, and the cause of the crash remains under investigation.

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The helicopter involved was part of Airborne Aviation’s fleet, which offers aerial tours of the island.

The company advertises its flights as a “doors-off thrill-seekers adventure tour,” providing passengers with panoramic views of Kauaʻi’s coastline, waterfalls, and rugged canyons.

According to the company’s website, the tours typically last about 55 minutes.

Airborne Aviation operates the Hughes 500 helicopter, a lightweight aircraft designed for speed and maneuverability. The model is commonly used in both civilian and commercial aviation settings.

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Kauaʻi, often referred to as the “Garden Isle,” is known for its dramatic landscapes and natural beauty. The island has also served as a filming location for major motion pictures, including Steven Spielberg’s 1993 film “Jurassic Park.”

The crash occurred in a region that attracts both tourists and tour operators seeking to showcase the island’s scenery from the air.

Helicopter tours are a common activity in Hawaii, offering access to areas that are otherwise difficult to reach by land.

Federal and local agencies are expected to continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash, including weather conditions, mechanical factors, and pilot operations at the time of the incident.

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