Update: It was initially reported that the chopper was en-route from Durban to Newcastle to airlift a patient back to Durban. It has since been confirmed that the helicopter was travelling from Johannesburg to Durban.

A Netcare helicopter has crashed near the N3 between Colenso and Ladysmith (January 21).

Initial reports from the scene have confirmed that there were no survivors.

An eyewitness farm worker told our reporter that he saw the helicopter crash, adding that it broke apart in mid-air, with smoke and fire clearly visible before hitting the ground.

Also read: Baby airlifted to safety

Five crew members are believed to have been killed in the crash.

Dr Richard Friedland, Chief Executive Officer of Netcare, said, “The whole of Netcare falls silent as we bow our heads in tribute, respect, love and memory of our fallen colleagues and front-line heroes who have died in the line of duty.”

It has been confirmed that the helicopter was Netcare 1.

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