Three people were killed and two were injured when a helicopter crashed into the ocean the afternoon of March 26, authorities in Hawaii said.
The helicopter was carrying one pilot and four passengers when it crashed into the water near Kalalau Beach on Kauai, the island's police department and emergency management agency said in statements. Police dispatch first received a text-to-911 message alerting of the crash at about 3:45 p.m. local time.
Two people were taken to Wilcox Medical Center for treatment, police said. The identities of those on board were not immediately released by authorities.
Police said the helicopter was operated by Airborne Aviation, which says on its website it offers doors-off helicopter tours with Hughes 500 helicopters. The helicopter rides for "thrill seekers" can hold up to four guests, the site said. Mayor Derek Kawakami confirmed to local station KITV that the helicopter that crashed was a tour helicopter.
Airborne Aviation did not immediately respond to a request for comment from USA TODAY.
