Helicopter crashes in Danbury woods, occupant rescued by witnesses

DANBURY — A helicopter crash in the woods off Dean Road resulted in a fire and serious injuries to the pilot, who was rescued by quick-acting witnesses, officials said Sunday.

The Danbury Police Department released a statement confirming that emergency personnel from the local fire department, Lakes Region Mutual Fire Aid, New Hampshire State Police, and the police department had responded to a report of a helicopter crash near 208 Dean Road at about 12:49 p.m. on June 1.

The single occupant of the helicopter was able to partially exit the downed aircraft before witnesses to the crash intervened, pulling the individual to safety and providing aid until first responders arrived on scene.

Firefighters successfully extinguished the blaze that had spread to the surrounding woods.

The rescued pilot was transported to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center with serious injuries that were not considered life-threatening.

The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are set to begin a full investigation into the incident on June 3.

Authorities are urging anyone with information about the crash to contact the Danbury Police Department.