(AP, Corning Leader) Two people are dead after a helicopter crash in Corning on Thursday.  That according to the Corning Leader, which reports that the chopper crashed next to the Chemung River in downtown Corning shortly before Noon.

Reports are that the helicopter clipped power lines on the way down, briefly knocking out electricity to parts of Corning. The chopper was being used to inspect utility lines.

Workers at nearby World Kitchen and Corning City Hall ran outside after the crash and saw flames, and part of a street was closed down