Helicopter Crashes in Southern North Carolina

MONROE, NC -- Authorities say a helicopter has crashed in southern North Carolina.

Monroe police information clerk Mike Thomas said crews were at the scene of the crash in a field on the western side of town.

Resident Katrina Sturgis says she heard an explosion that jarred her home shortly before 11 a.m. Thursday.

The 80-year-old says she went outside and saw a large cloud of smoke coming from the field across the street. She says her husband called 911.

A Federal Aviation Administration spokeswoman said she didn't have any information about the crash she could release.

Monroe is about 20 miles southeast of Charlotte.