Two people were killed in a helicopter crash Thursday afternoon near Penn’s Peak in Penn Forest Township.

Carbon County Coroner Mark K. Smith said the incident happened at approximately 3:15 p.m. near the power lines. The crew in the Hughes 369D helicopter, was a subcontractor for PPL Electric Utilities, was a subcontractor working on the electric lines near 325 Maury Road.

The FAA said two people were on board.

PPL Electric Utilities issued a statement Thursday night: “We are deeply saddened to confirm that a helicopter accident occurred on Sept. 11 involving two individuals working on our electric lines through a third-party contractor,” the statement said.

“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family, friends, and all those affected by this tragic event.”

Smith said his office pronounced the two workers deceased at 3:27 p.m. Their identities are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the families, coworkers, and friends of the deceased during this difficult time,” Smith said.

The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate.

On scene Thursday were the Jim Thorpe Police Department, state police, Penn Forest Fire Company # and the company's fire police, Penn Forest Fire company #2 and the coroner’s office.

PPL said it is working with the investigators.

“We are actively working with local authorities and first responders as they conduct an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. We can confirm that the line was deenergized at the time of the incident and no power outages occurred,” the company said.

Smith said autopsies are scheduled for both people on Saturday at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest.

The NTSB is leading the investigation.