British police report at least two people are dead after a helicopter crashed onto a roadway in south-central London, near a key rail station for incoming commuters.

Local news reports say the aircraft hit a crane atop an apartment building before hurtling to the ground, igniting a fireball that sent plumes of smoke into the sky. The helicopter is believed to have crashed into two cars. One of the dead is believed to have been the pilot on the helicopter.

Medical authorities say at least two other people were injured, one of them a man pulled from a burning car. The crash left a trail of debris and flames burning down the street.

The crash happened near Vauxhall Station, one of the main junctions for rail traffic entering the city. It took place during the morning rush hour, virtually halting traffic. Service has been suspended at a nearby subway station.

Ambulances and police vehicles are on the scene. Visibility is poor, because of fog and smoke from the fire.