Friday, August 19 2005 16:03 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bangalore: Helicopter belonging to defence crashed near Khanapur, about 30 kms away from Belgaum today (August 19, 2005).

The chopper crashed in the midst of a mountain and authorities were trying to reach the spot, according to preliminary reports reaching police headquarters here.

The mishap occurred at around 1430 hrs. It was not immediately known whether the helicopter belonged to the Navy or Indian Air Force (IAF), sources said.

Later on the Police said that the copter belonged to navy. Initial reports said that two persons have been injured in the mishap. However, authorities have rushed to the spot to launch rescue operations, police said.