iscover
Updated, 9pm:
A Eurocopter EC130 helicopter has crashed near Mount Disappointment, north of Melbourne, with five people onboard.
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The single engine light helicopter crashed in thick bushland, making rescue efforts increasingly difficult.
Shortly after midday, a SES spokesman said, “there is a site that has been identified” and crews are continuing their attempt to reach the crash site and provide aid.
“We have rescue capability, casualty handling equipment, lighting and temporary casualty shelters,” the spokesman said.
Fears emerged earlier that the helicopter, could have crashed into terrain, amid low-lying cloud and nearby bushfire smoke which continues to impact search efforts.
Victoria Police confirmed on Thursday morning that authorities were seeking to locate a helicopter that appeared to have vanished on its way over Mount Disappointment, after travelling north, as part of a convoy from Melbourne’s CBD with one other helicopter.
The aircraft was thought to have gone missing around 9:30am, with the matter reported to authorities shortly after.
“At this stage, the second helicopter is yet to be located,” Victoria Police said earlier on Thursday.
“Emergency services are in the area searching.”
A Cobham search and rescue Challenger aircraft, operated on behalf of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, has joined the search, alongside Air Ambulance Victoria helicopters.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau said it had been notified of the event and is currently working to gather more information.
More to come.
