A sightseeing helicopter crashed in a newly opened scenic area in the eastern Chinese city of Suzhou, killing one person on the ground and injuring four on board.
Friday afternoon’s accident happened as the helicopter was coming into land and dropped from a height of about 10 metres (33ft), according to the local emergency services.
Officials said the four injured passengers had been taken to hospital and that none was in a critical condition. The person killed was identified as a bystander on the ground, but no further details have been released.
The helicopter had been flying over a newly constructed park in the city in Jiangsu, which is one of China’s most popular destinations.
The park – the Austin Blossom Scenic Area – only opened last week after a three-year construction process. It covers around 20 hectares (50 acres), making it eastern China’s largest wisteria rose garden.
A member of staff at the park, which has been closed until further notice, said the helicopter belonged to a third-party company offering aerial tours, according to a report by Jimu news, an affiliate of the official Hubei Daily.
