Helicopter carrying DSWD staff crashes in Leyte

MANILA (UPDATED) -- A Huey helicopter carrying two personnel of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) crashed in La Paz, Leyte province Friday afternoon. Philippine Air Force (PAF) spokesperson Lt. Col. Miguel Okol said the helicopter, which was involved in the relief operations for victims of super typhoon "Yolanda," crashed in the vicinity of Barangay Sta. Ana at around 3:30 p.m. The pilot and the two DSWD staff were brought to Burauen District Hospital in Leyte after sustaining injuries from the crash. Five Air Force soldiers also sustained injuries in the accident, but are now in stable condition. According to the pilot, the chopper encountered problems just as it was about to land near a school. The PAF is now looking into what caused the crash. -- Reports from Edwin Sevidal, dzMM; ANC