4 Injured In Helicopter Crash Near Tucson

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) - Four people were injured Monday when a sheriff's department helicopter crashed on the side of a rugged mountain northwest of Tucson, officials said.

The extent of their injuries wasn't immediately known, but at least one of the injured was able to talk to rescuers, said Deputy Jason Ogan, a spokesman for the Pima County Sheriff's Department. The cause of the crash wasn't known.

"Right now our main concern is getting them medically treated for any injuries they may have," he said.

Rescuers had to hike up the mountain to reach the crash site, which was in rugged terrain that is inaccessible to vehicles. Once at the site, the rescuers put the passengers in baskets that were then pulled to a rescue copter overhead, Ogan said.

Ogan could not say whether all four of those aboard worked for the sheriff's department.

More than 100 people were at the crash scene, including a team from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson.