A tragic helicopter accident took place on Saturday in western Finland, resulting in several deaths. Two helicopters crashed into each other in the air and then fell to the ground in the Eura region.

Police Confirm Multiple Deaths

Finnish police confirmed the accident and said the helicopters were carrying five people in total. The crash caused “several fatalities,” according to the police statement. However, they are still working to confirm the exact number of victims and identify them.

No Military Involvement, Officials Say

The crash happened in the same area where British military helicopters had recently operated during Finnish Army exercises in late April. Still, a spokesperson for the Finnish General Staff made it clear that no aircraft from the Finnish Air Force or any foreign military was involved in this incident.

Helicopters Belonged to Civilians

According to media reports, both helicopters had taken off from Estonia. They were carrying businessmen—three people in one helicopter and two in the other. The helicopters collided around midday in an area west of Finland’s capital, Helsinki.

Cause of Crash Remains Unknown

So far, authorities have not given any information about what caused the helicopters to crash. Investigations are ongoing.

Eyewitness Describes the Collision

A witness named Antti Marjanen shared what they saw with the Finnish newspaper Iltalehti. Marjanen said they witnessed one helicopter strike the other during a flying manoeuvre.

"One of them dropped like a stone and the other one more slowly. I didn’t hear any sound," Marjanen was quoted as saying.