Authorities say a tour helicopter has crashed in the Grand Canyon, killing three people.

Hualapai Nation Police Chief Francis Bradley said six passengers and a pilot were on board the Papillion helicopter when it crashed at about 5.20pm.

The other four were injured, and were still being treated at the scene.

Aerial tour company Papillion says on its website that it flies roughly 600,000 passengers a year on Grand Canyon and other tours. The firm has been contacted for comment.

Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Allen Kenitzer said the Eurocopter EC130 crashed in unknown circumstances and sustained heavy damage.

An investigation will take place.

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