BREAKING NEWS: Helicopter Crash at Spectrum Downtown - www.wzzm13.com/
Posted on 05/29/2008 9:16:12 AM PDT by NormsRevenge
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - A helicopter crashed at a hospital on Thursday, sending thick, black smoke over downtown and forcing the evacuation of patients from the building.
It was not clear whether anyone had been injured in the crash, which happened around 11 a.m.
A fire dispatcher confirmed the crash happened at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital, but could not provide any other details. The police department was setting up a command center, but had no other details.
Lynda Ignatoski, who was standing outside the Towers Medical building on the Spectrum Health campus, told The Grand Rapids Press she saw the helicopter's tail hit a radio tower on the hospital's roof.
Ignatoski said the helicopter spun around and debris flew everywhere. She said the helicopter hit the roof and exploded in flames.
Spectrum Health Butterworth, located in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, is part of the largest campus of Spectrum Health, which is a nonprofit health care system based in western Michigan.
Butterworth Hospital is the only level 1 trauma center for the most serious patients in western Michigan.
http://www.wxyz.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=824a63b7-4104-405d-a5e2-027402ff556b&rss=785
Helicopter Crash in Downtown Grand Rapids
Last Update: 11:57 am
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP/WXYZ) - A helicopter has crashed on the helipad at Spectrum Hospital in downtown Grand Rapids.
The crash, which happened around 11 a.m., apparently happened as the medical helicopter was taking off. The Grand Rapids Press reports no patients were on board.
Television images show thick, black smoke visible at the Spectrum Health campus after the crash.
It was not immediately known if anyone was hurt.
A witness standing outside the Towers Medical building tells The Grand Rapids Press she saw the helicopter’s tail hit a radio tower on the roof of Spectrum Health Butterworth.
Lynda Ignatoski of Shelby says the helicopter spun around and debris flew everywhere. She says the helicopter hit the roof and exploded in flames.
BREAKING NEWS: Helicopter Crash at Spectrum Downtown - www.wzzm13.com/
Latest word is 2 minor injuries....Amazing
geez!
I saw the smoke towards downtown an hour ago but NEVER figured this!
Prayers.
Cr@p. We lost a Medflight crew of three less than two weeks ago in Wisconsin. :( They crashed on their return flight after dropping off the patient.
very lucky if so.. lots of smoke up there,, and debris too, I’m sure..
The ER is closed. Fuel dripping down the building.
I saw that, sad. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones.
Thanks! looks like a major mess and clean-up ahead.
The rotor hit something on the building while the chopper was taking off, both people on board got away mostly unhurt, and there’s a big char mark on the helipad. IOW, it was a successful landing. ;’)
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.