2 dead as Air Force chopper crashes, explodes in Isabela

By Leander Domingo

CAUAYAN CITY, Isabela -- A Philippine Air Force (PAF) helicopter carrying five persons crashed and exploded in a village here on Thursday night.

In its initial investigation, the Isabela Provincial Police Office (IPPO) said there were two bodies, who were identified as the pilots, found inside the charred helicopter. Two crew members are missing.

Police said another crew member who sustained multiple injuries was rushed to the nearest hospital.

The helicopter with tail number 8303 was about to take off when it crashed and exploded at the ramp area of the Tactical Operations Group 2 (TOG2) in Barangay San Fermin here.