Two helicopters collided in midair near a small airport in Oregon on the afternoon of Oct. 29, closing a nearby highway as emergency crews responded to the crash scene.
The collision occurred at about 2:15 p.m. local time near the McMinnville Municipal Airport, southwest of Portland, Oregon, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The aircraft involved in the incident were a Robinson R22 helicopter and an Airbus H125 helicopter.
The FAA said only the pilot was aboard the R22, while two people were aboard the H125. Authorities did not immediately release information about injuries or the conditions of those on board.
The Yamhill County Sheriff's Office said it received reports of the collision at 2:14 p.m. local time near Southeast Highway
154, also known as Lafayette Highway, and Southeast Stringtown Road southeast of McMinnville. Local law enforcement, fire and medical personnel responded to the scene.
Local authorities said they were coordinating with the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board, which will lead the investigation into the crash.
Road closures follow helicopter collision
The sheriff's office said roadways around the crash site were closed and asked residents to "keep clear of the area." The Oregon Department of Transportation said Oregon Route 233 was closed about one mile west of Dayton near the McMinnville Airport because of the crash.
Transportation officials warned the closure could be extended and urged motorists to use alternate routes while emergency responders worked in the area.
McMinnville is a city of about 34,000 people located roughly 40 miles southwest of Portland.
Contributing: Bill Poehler, Salem Statesman Journal
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Two helicopters collide in midair near Oregon airport, FAA says
