BREAKING: Philadelphia’s 6 ABC’s Helicopter Crashes in Burlington County; 2 Staffers Killed

A tragic story is developing early this morning.

We've learned that a local news helicopter — which belongs to Philadelphia's 6 ABC TV - crashed late Tuesday evening.

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The helicopter (known as Chopper 6) crashed around 8 p.m. Tuesday in a heavily wooded area of Wharton State Forest, 6 ABC reports. 

Two passengers were on board at the time of the crash. 6 ABC confirmed that both passengers were killed in the crash. 

The two passengers were a veteran photographer and pilot. Their identities were not publicly shared as family is still being contacted.

"They have a long history with the station. They've been working as part of the Action News team for years," 6 ABC said during an early morning televised report.

The New Jersey State Police was able to locate the crash site around midnight, CBS 3 says.

It is reportedly near Quaker Bridge Atsion Road and Mullica Hill Road in Washington Township, NJ, which has made it difficult for emergency crews to reach as it's a heavily wooded area.

The crew was heading back from covering a story in the Galloway Township, NJ area at the time of the crash, 6 ABC says. 

An investigation into the crash is ongoing, and the FAA has been notified.

UP NEXT: What Happened to 6 ABC's Jamie Apody?

Longtime 6 ABC viewers have been wondering what happened to the station's longtime sports anchor, Jamie Apody. She hasn't been seen on air at the station since late October.

A recent report was shared via CrossingBroad.com last month said that Jamie is taking a leave of absence.

They say that an out-of-office (automated) email message to Jamie's 6 ABC email address said in part,

"I am currently taking a leave of absence from my 6abc sports casting duties and will not be responding to emails related to my work at 6abc."

However, we have reason to wonder if she'll ever return to the station. Click here to read more.