Quezon Governor Rafael Nantes and five others died when a civilian helicopter crashed at a subdivision in Lucena City in the northern Philippine province of Quezon on Monday afternoon.

Armed Forces of the Philippines Southern Luzon Command Spokesman Col. Generoso Bolina said the chopper exploded around 3: 15 p.m, about 300 meters upon takeoff.

Bolina said the helicopter crashed at the Hael subdivision at Barangay Iyam in Lucena City. He said the chopper hit and burned two houses on the ground.

Nantes, his escorts- one Msgt. Dominguez, one PO3 Roperez - and an unidentified pilot were killed in the crash. Two civilians on the ground were also killed.

Lt. Gen. Roland Detabali, Solcom commander, said the aircraft was on the way to Manila when it exploded.