THE helicopter which crashed in Vauxhall in central London had taken off from Redhill, the Metropolitan Police Service has confirmed.
Speaking at a press conference at 11.30am, commander Neil Basu said the helicopter was a commercial flight which had taken off from Redhill this morning for Elstree in Hertfordshire.
Two people died when the helicopter crashed into a crane on Wandsworth Road at about 8am.
One of those killed was the pilot, and the other was 'in close proximity to the helicopter'.
"It was something of a miracle that this was not many, many times worse," Commander Basu said.
The police said the pilot was alone in the helicopter, while London Fire Brigade said two people were on board.
London Ambulance Service said six people were taken to hospital.
One person had a broken leg and the others had minor injuries. Seven people were treated at the scene.
London Heliport in Battersea issued a statement saying the helicopter pilot had asked to divert there due to the bad weather.
"The helicopter involved in the accident was not destined for the London Heliport," a spokesman said.
"However, we received a request from Heathrow air traffic control to accept the helicopter, which had asked to be diverted due to bad weather.
"Earlier in the helicopter's journey the pilot had been receiving an air traffic control service from NATS. The London Heliport never gained contact with the helicopter.
"The Heliport will be closed for the rest of the day."
The crane was at St George Wharf, a 22-storey residential block overlooking the River Thames.
It has been reported that the man who was supposed to be operating the crane was late to work this morning. More to follow
