Two people rescued after helicopter crash in Rhode Island

Two people were rescued after a helicopter crash in Rhode Island Tuesday morning, officials said. 

The helicopter crashed into Worden Pond in South Kingstown, R.I. at about 8:30 a.m., South Kingstown police said in a press release. 

Robert Buscher, 62, called 911 while he was fishing in his boat on the pond, police said. He responded to the crash and helped the two people in the helicopter out of the water. 

The operator of the helicopter was treated and released at the scene. The passenger was transported to South County Hospital with minor injuries, according to the statement. 

Both the operator and passenger were employees of REGENT Craft, a North Kingstown-based seal glider company. They were testing downward-facing sensors on the water at the time of the crash, police said. 

“I want to thank the quick-thinking and actions of Mr. Buscher who immediately responded to the scene,” said South Kingstown Chief of Police Matthew C. Moynihan. “Police, fire, and rescue arrived quickly and were then able to assess and treat the occupants. Water temperatures are quite low and this was great teamwork and a good outcome for all involved.”

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