At least two people were killed in Seattle on Tuesday morning after a news helicopter plummeted to earth in a popular tourist area near the Space Needle, setting nearby cars ablaze.
At least one other man was seriously injured, having pulled himself from a burning car. The man, who has burns on more than 50% of his body is in critical condition, according to the NY Daily News.
The Chicago Tribune reports that the helicopter belonged to local television station KOMO, an ABC affiliate.
The helicopter was reportedly taking off from the fifth floor helipad of KOMO's headquarters when it came crashing down.
Smoke billowed from the scene at 7:40 as the helicopter and three surrounding cars burned. Photos after the fire was extinguished show blackened cars with fire retardant foam strewn about the street.