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3 killed after PG&E-contracted helicopter crashes near Fairfield

A helicopter contracted by PG&E hit a high voltage power line near Fairfield.

FAIRFIELD, Calif. — Three people died after a helicopter crashed down into Solano County, officials said.

A Bell 206 helicopter crashed near Lyon Road and Soda Springs Road around 1:30 p.m. near Fairfield, said Federal Aviation Administration spokesperson Ian Gregor. 

PG&E spokesperson Brandi Merlo said the helicopter was contracted by PG&E. It hit a high voltage transmission line which started a fire in the area. The fire grew to about seven acres.

The helicopter caught fire after it crashed, and three responding Cal Fire firefighters received minor injuries after an engine rollover while they were heading to the site.

Those firefighters were taken to hospital.

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38,000 PG&E customers lost power after the crash happened, according to the Solano County Sheriff's Office. PG&E turned off power to de-energize the line after a request from Cal Fire. 

According to city officials in Fairfield, PG&E hoped to have power back on by 5:30 p.m. However, Merlo said high temperatures in the area might have power restoration take longer than usual.

By 8:21 p.m., PG&E had restored power to the area.

Both the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash. 

Helicopter crash in Solano county. 3 believed to be on board according to FAA. ABC10

Posted by Van Tieu on Tuesday, June 2, 2020

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