Three people are killed after two helicopters collide in midair near an Oregon airport, shutting down a highway

The two helicopters collided in midair near McMinnville Municipal Airport in Yamhill County at around 2.09pm local time on Thursday, killing all three people aboard. The FAA has confirmed the collision, and the Yamhill County Sheriff's Office received a call about it at 2.15pm. Oregon's Route 223 was shut down one mile west of Dayton as emergency crews rushed to the scene.

The crash occurred near Southeast Highway 154 and Stringtown Road. A witness reported that he saw the helicopters collide while standing on a barn roof nearby, and then called 911.

All crews from McMinnville Fire District were deployed to the scene, with authorities warning the road closure could be extended.

The Oregon Department of Transportation warned motorists on X to use alternate routes, calling it a potentially extended closure.