PNP chief rushed to hospital after helicopter crash

MANILA, Philippines (Update 2 10:43 a.m.) — Philippine National Police chief Gen. Archie Gamboa was rushed to the hospital Thursday morning after the helicopter he was riding crashed in San Pedro, Laguna.

The PNP chief, along with the other passengers, were immediately brought to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Gamboa was conscious when he was taken out of the helicopter which already caught fire after the chopper crash landed, radio dzBB reported.

With the police chief were Police Maj. Gen. Mariel Magaway, Police Maj. Gen. Jose Maria Ramos, Police Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac, two pilots, a crew and aide de camp of Gamboa.

Gamboa and other police officials were visiting a new impounding area of the Highway Patrol Group prior to the incident, according to a report from News5.

All passengers are safe but sustained minor injuries, the PNP said.

The helicopter was just taking off when it got caught up in an electric cable. Authorities said the area was dusty and had zero visibility.

The chopper then crashed landed into Laperal Compound in San Pedro. — with a report from Emmanuel Tupas