BREAKING: Helicopter Crash Near Orondo Causes Massive Power Outage for Douglas County

Update 7/7/22 10:34 a.m.

A driver was inside the orchard sprayer during the crash.

Both the helicopter pilot and tractor driver injured during the crash and transported to Central Washington Hospital. The pilot's arm was broken, but status on the tractor driver is unknown.

Update 7/6/22 1:42 p.m.

A helicopter crash near Longview Road erupted in flames on the morning of July 6. The helicopter hit a power line before dropping onto an orchard sprayer.

The crash resulted in a power outage all over Douglas County, with over 1400 Douglas County residents without power between north of Orondo to the Waterville Plateau.

The pilot broke his arm during the incident. They were taken to an ambulance shortly afterwards.

The fire was extinguished around 10 a.m. and power was restored around 10:30 a.m.

The helicopter was lost in the fire.

Corrections: Number of passengers was changed from two passengers to one. The helicopter also fell on an orchard sprayer. Additional details include status on the pilot and helicopter.

Update at 7/6/22 11:08 a.m.

Power was restored for Douglas County PUD after 10:30 a.m.

Update at 7/6/22 10:43 a.m.

The fire was extinguished at 10:09 a.m. and are currently shutting off power as they work on the transmission line.

Update 7/6/22 10:34 a.m.

Douglas County PUD confirms that a helicopter crash off Weaver and Longview Roads took down a transmission line, leaving over 1400 Douglas County residents without power.

Around 9:20 a.m., two people onboard the helicopter were involved in the crash which erupted in flames and left them with unknown injuries. They were taken to an ambulance.

After 9:54 a.m., customers between north of Orondo and the Beebe bridge to the Waterville Plateau were experiencing massive power outages.

Douglas County PUD advises everyone to avoid the area while crews restore service to the damaged transmission line.

There is no known restoration estimate at this time.