Four people have died after a helicopter crash outside Panorama House at Bulli Tops.
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It was earlier believed the passengers were part of a wedding party and a child was believed to have been on board. However, there are now reports it was four adults.
2.40pm: There are splinters of trees all over the site. Media have been told to be careful as the splinters could form part of the investigation into the crash.
2.20pm: It is now unclear whether the people on board were part of a wedding party and there are reports it was four adults.
A couple of witnesses have been allowed to leave the scene.
Forensic scientists have arrived. Early responders have begun to scale back their efforts, but investigators are continuing to arrive on the scene.
1.43pm: Mercury reporter Kate McIlwain said emergency services have begun to leave the scene.
1.15pm: An electrical worker, who was working in the bushes near Panorama House at the time of the chopper accident, said he heard a huge crash.
The worker thought it was one of their machines and didn't come out of the bushes for about five minutes, at which time he saw the helicopter on fire.
1.03pm: Mercury reporter, Kate McIlwain, is on the scene of the crash and described the helicopter as a "complete burnt-out wreck".
"There are at least three helicopters circling around and a huge emergency services presence," she said, adding there were at least 30 units of Fire and Rescue NSW, police and ambulance on the scene.
"The chopper is crumbled in the northern corner of the Panorama House site. The only part of the helicopter visible is the yellow tail."
A spokesperson for Air Services Australia confirmed that the helicopter was operating outside controlled airspace.
The spokesperson said the helicopter was flying in a Class G area, which operates on a see and avoid principle.
12.52pm: The helicopter involved in the accident is registered to Bankstown Helicopters, the company confirmed. It is a Robinson R44, four-seater light helicopter.
The company said that at the time of the accident, the helicopter was privately hired and was conducting private operations.
12.47pm: Bulli man Norm Upton was driving home from Sydney when he saw the helicopter engulfed in flames.
He told the Mercury he was travelling south along Mount Ousley and saw the helicopter on its side.
‘‘I was about 200 yards away and I saw people running around,’’ he said.
‘‘It wasn’t exactly what I wanted to see on my way back.’’
12.40pm: Four people have died after a helicopter crash outside Panorama House at Bulli Tops.
Fire crews rushed to the scene around 12.10pm after reports a helicopter was engulfed in flames.
It is believed the passengers were part of a wedding party and a child was believed to be on board.
Fire and Rescue NSW and five ambulance crews are on the scene.
Do you know anything? Email scoop@illawarramercury.com.au