Takeoff, crash of PNP chopper in Laguna caught on video

Moments right before and during the crash of a Philippine National Police chopper carrying its highest official — Police General Archie Gamboa — and seven others were captured on video.

A report on GMA News TV's QRT showed a video clip circulating on social media of the helicopter — a two-year-old Bell 249 — taking off in San Pedro City, as a thick cloud of dust billowed from the ground.

The video did not show the actual crash but a loud whirring noise could be heard as the chopper lifted off, followed by the sound of people panicking in the background. "Nag-crash. Naku, nag-crash ata!" said one man.

Gamboa was brought to St. Luke’s Medical Center in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig past 10 a.m., and is now in stable condition. Two police generals, however, remain in critical condition.

The PNP officials were set to inspect a lateral compound of the PNP Highway Patrol Group in Laguna when the incident happened in San Pedro City on Thursday morning.

The chopper reportedly hit a high tension wire upon lift-off due to poor visibility caused by thick dust. — MDM, GMA News