Helicopter Crash Near Key Biscayne Kills One, Injures Two

At least one person died and two others suffered serious injuries when a small helicopter plunged into the waters off Miami on Wednesday. The crash happened shortly after 11 a.m. near Nixon Beach, just off Key Biscayne, Florida. WSVN reported the incident took place close to Bill Baggs State Park, a detail confirmed by the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office.

The U.S. Coast Guard verified the grim outcome for the three individuals aboard. One passenger died. The other two were rushed to a trauma center. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue crews scrambled to the scene, pulling two people from the water before handing them over to emergency medical teams.

Authorities outlined the chaotic rescue effort in a statement. "A total of three patients were reported," officials told NBC Miami. "Two adult trauma alert patients were transported by ground rescue units from the City of Miami Fire Rescue and Key Biscayne Fire Rescue to a designated landing zone, where MDFR Air Rescue transported them to the main trauma center."

Aerial video captured the aftermath, showing the helicopter's yellow emergency floats bobbing in the water. The wreckage lay near a Miami-Dade Fire Rescue boat off the 1200 block of Crandon Boulevard. Divers moved through the water, inspecting the debris.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating. Preliminary information suggests the Robinson R44 II helicopter was conducting a photography flight at the time of the crash. Officials have not yet identified the three people on board. The cause remains unknown for now. This story is still developing, and more details are expected as the investigation unfolds.