A helicopter has crashed on a field just yards from factories in an industrial estate in Doncaster. The aircraft set off from Gamston Airport, near Retford, at around 10am this morning, Oct. 30, before crashing in a field near a food waste recycling firm Refood, in Ings Road, around 15 minutes later. It is not yet known how many people were on board and if there are any casualties. Police are urging people to stay away from the scene while they investigate. Local reports have said the helicopter is a Robinson R44 Raven II.

Helicopter crashes into field just minutes after taking off

Footage shows a black helicopter with a yellow or beige stripe on its flank crashed on its side. The aircraft appears to be largely intact.

James Church, the Doncaster councillor for the area, told Metro that the spot where the helicopter crashed is “an isolated location between two railway lines.”

“It is where the public doesn’t generally go,” he said, but added that he doesn’t have any further information regarding the circumstances of the crash.

Businesses in an industrial estate confirmed that the crash happened next door.

Workers have been told to stay in the building by the police, staff at Refood UK said.

One person said: “The helicopter crashed in a field next to our building.”

An employee at nearby Nortech Foods said they saw the emergency vehicles go past, but they didn’t hear anything unusual before the crash.

A South Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “At 10.14am today (Thursday 30 October), we were called to Ings Road Bentley, where it is reported that a helicopter crashed in a field.

“Officers and emergency services colleagues are in attendance at the scene.

“Ings Road is closed while we respond to this incident.

“Please avoid the area and plan an alternative route where possible.

“Further updates will be provided when they are available.”