Vauxhall Helicopter fire

Photo: Nic Walker

In the UK, London's New Covent Garden Flower Market has been evacuated and two people with minor injuries taken to hospital for treatment after a helicopter crashed outside the market this morning (16 January).

The chopper hit a crane at nearby St George’s Wharf on the south bank of the River Thames, in the Vauxhall area of London.

Debris falling from the aircraft onto the market site below is believed to have caused the injuries. The helicopter crash-landed onto Wandsworth Road onto two cars, setting them on fire. The pilot was the only person on board the aircraft.

A spokeswoman for Covent Garden Market Authority told the Fresh Produce Journal: 'Our main concern has been for the injured people and getting them to hospital. Police evacuated the flower market. Trading had pretty much finished forthe day. The fruit and vegetable market main entrance and exit are still open.'