Rhode Island

2 rescued after helicopter crashes into pond in RI, police say

One person was taken to South County Hospital with minor injuries, while the other was treated at the scene and released, police said

WJAR/NBC10 Boston

Two people were rescued after a helicopter crashed into a pond in Rhode Island Tuesday morning, according to police.

The crash happened just after 8 a.m. in Worden Pond in South Kingstown.

Two people were inside the helicopter at the time of the crash and were rescued by civilians who responded by boat, WJAR reported.

The pilot, Jeff Codman, 54, of Rhode Island, was treated at the scene and released, according to authorities.

The passenger, Amira Malikwas, was taken to South County Hospital with minor injuries.

"Very fortunate for the outcome, very experienced pilot. They were able to safely get out of the aircraft, and as the chief mentioned having a Good Samaritan nearby that immediately responder over, took possession of the two people, brought them back to shore awaiting rescue was critical for this," Dean Hoxsie, chief of Rhode Island Environmental Police, told WJAR.

Officials said the helicopter is owned by Nantucket Helicopter and it was leased by REGENT Craft, a manufacturer of sea gliders.

Codman and Malikwas are employees of REGENT Craft, South Kingstown police said.

Authorities said it is not clear at this time when the helicopter will be removed from the pond.

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