Pilot dies after helicopter crash in German forest

A helicopter pilot has died after crashing in a forest in eastern Germany while carrying out liming work, the police directorate in the city of Chemnitz said on Friday.

Workers managed to pull the man from the helicopter after the impact, police said. Despite immediate first aid administered at the scene, the man died from his injuries.

The helicopter had no other people on board. Police did not provide information on the identity of the pilot or the cause of the accident near the small town of Sehmatal in the Ore mountains.

A police spokesman said they had been notified of the crash at around 9.55am local time.

More than 85 firefighters were deployed to the scene after the helicopter caught fire. The fire brigade was able to extinguish the blaze quickly, before the flames could spread.

District fire chief Falko Auerswald said one fire engine remained at the scene to complete safety measures.