Helicopter crash in South London

Apparently a warning went out to all pilots a few weeks ago to tell them about the crane but perhaps this pilot didn't take it in as this was not his usual route. He had been diverterd because of bad weather.

I heard the builders say they had just 'stopped for a fag' or they would have been up there! Phew.

I have to fly several times a year, but I would never use a helicopter or microlight plane. My heart was in my mouth when my grandson did a parachute job from a light plane last Christmas (in NZ).
I would have imagined that all aircraft these days would have some form of radar for use in the dark or fog. Lights on the crane were useless - even driving in a thick fog is difficult as you can't see the car in front until you are very close.
I agree it was very stupid to mention 9/11 as there was absolutely no evidence that this was anything but a tragic accident.

My DS2 would normally have been in the vicinity of the crash site, on his way to the office, but today is his 40th birthday and he has taken the day off to spend it with his partner who is 5 days older.

There were lights on the crane, but it was shrouded in fog. The crane driver is one lucky fella, late for work for the first time ever, and was just on the ladder on his way up to his cab when the helicopter hit! A couple of minutes later and he`d have been up there.

This is so awful, I'm so sorry for the people who were in the wrong place at the wrong time and have been injured or killed. Have often got off the train at Vauxhall, Tate Britain is just across the river. I gather when the accident happened the crane was shrouded in fog and there was very poor visibility. You'd never get me on a helicopter, accidents seem all too frequent.

Grannyeggs Yes - it sent shivers up my spine at the thought of what could have happened if it has crashed onto a train on the railway lines close to it or into one of the buildings.

Awful! When I saw the news an icy cold shiver ran down my spine. Tried to text my son but there was no signal. Sent brief email instead. Return message read, safe and sound xxx There will be many whose hearts will be broken today.

Glad you were safe Janthea. I have a friend who crosses Vauxhall Bridge every morning, south to north,and just by chance last night she stayed at her daughter'sin Hampstead.

I've only just realised how many people have been affected by this. I feel so sorry for the people that were just in the wrong place at the wrong time, and very angry about the lack of any sort of warning on the crane.

Very upsetting and tragic. It is on my commute but I am working from home today.

I had to switch off Sky news when Eamonn Holmes started hinting about 'one can't help but remember 9-11' 'because the building may be the one that will accommodate the US Embassy' 'It is so close to MI5 building which we all know from the James Bond films'.

Why does he immediately have to start scare mongering? What is wrong with his head? It made me . Focus on the human story, it is a tragedy. That poor pilot in the fog and that high building with a crane on top of it and no warning signal. Poor unsuspecting people on the road below.

I was worried about my son, who works in the Vauxhall area, but he arrived at work about half an hour after the crash and is OK.

A shocking accident and I imagine the repercussions will be affecting commuters and travellers for many hours to come. Very frightening.

Such terrible scenes on television,so so sad for the families concerned,very well done to our emergency services and their quick response.

I just went through Vauxhall on the train less than 10 minutes before it happened. Scary!!

Horrible scenes, it looks awful.....

Its seems two people are dead and I am amazed that its not more in the middle of rush hour in a very busy part if London.. very sad for those concerned.,

Sounds pretty bad, though!