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This is a developing story and may be updated.
West Virginia State Police are investigating a helicopter crash Friday in Preston County.
Preston County Emergency Management confirms two people from the crash were life-flighted by air ambulance to Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown. No word yet on the extent of the crash victims’ injuries.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, “a Bell 206B helicopter crashed near Veterans Memorial Highway in Terra Alta, West Virginia, around 11:40 a.m. local time on Friday, July 21. Two people were on board. The Federal Aviation Administration will investigate.”
The helicopter crew members involved in the accident were contracted by FirstEnergy from the GeoDigital company for utility work.
FirstEnergy released this statement:
“The helicopter crew members involved in today’s accident were contracted by FirstEnergy to complete inspections of the company’s transmission lines. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who were injured and their families.”
On Saturday, July 22, West Virginia State Police released the following statement:
“On 7/21/23 at approximately 11:20 am, Troopers were notified by Preston County 911 of a helicopter crash. The crash occurred in the area of Caddell Mountain, near Terra Alta, WV. Troopers were the first to arrive on-scene and began extricating the two occupants. One of the individuals could not be extricated. Troopers remained with the second occupant until additional help arrived and the other individual could be safely removed. The occupants were then transported to Ruby Memorial and treated for minor injuries. Troopers were unable to determine why the 1979, Bell helicopter, crashed. Troopers secured the scene until the FAA arrived and assumed control of the scene. Further investigation will be conducted by the FAA.”
