2 killed, 6 injured in northern Philippine helicopter crash

A private helicopter crashed in a mountainous area in northern Philippine province of Batangas before noon Sunday, killing two persons and injuring six others, authorities said.

The helicopter operated by Malate Tourist Development Corp. crashed in Mt. Macolot in Pinagkaisahan village, Cuenca town at around 11:00 a.m. local time, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said.

The fatalities were the pilot and the businessman who reportedly owned the ill-fated helicopter, police said.

Those injured were immediately brought to nearby hospital for treatment.

CAAP said that authorities are still investigating the cause of the incident, which took place while some areas in northern part of the Philippines are being battered by tropical storm Egay.