3 confirmed dead in Britain's helicopter crash

LONDON -- Three people have died and one remains in serious condition after a helicopter crash on the Isle of Wight in Britain, police said on Monday.

"We can confirm that three people have died following a helicopter crash on the Isle of Wight this morning. Four people in total were on board, with one person currently in hospital in a serious condition," the police said in a statement

Earlier, the Air Accident Investigation Branch said it has launched an investigation into the crash.

"We will not be commenting on the circumstances of the incident but continue to work alongside the Air Accident Investigation Branch," the police statement added.

Northumbria Helicopters, the operator of the aircraft that crashed, confirmed its aircraft was involved in the accident in the Shanklin area on the Isle of Wight.

According to the operator, the flight "was undertaking a flying lesson."

Emergency services were called to the scene at 09:24 local time (0824 GMT), said the police. One patient was flown to the Major Trauma Centre at University Hospital Southampton, according to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.