Monday, June 30, 2008
Two medical helicopters collided on Sunday as one was taking off and the other landing, killing at least six people and critically injuring three others, officials said.
Three of those killed were aboard one of the helicopters, officials said, and the other three dead and one of the injured people were aboard the second aircraft.
Among the dead on the landing helicopter at the hospital was a patient from the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, as well as the helicopter’s pilot and paramedic.
4 Comments
+ at 8:24 am
I heard about this story last night. We think of medical helicopters delivering the sick and injured to a hospital so they can get better. Not die in transit. As you say, so sad.
+ at 12:27 pm
Very sad.
We think a medical helicopter is there to help us and not crash.
+ at 12:40 pm
I’ve never ridden in a helicopter. The idea makes me more than a little nervous. I read once they have a nickname for the bolt that holds the blade on the motor: the Jesus nut. If the Jesus nut comes off, the blade falls off and down you go like a rock. Even an airplane has a wing so you might be able to glide if the engines fail.
+ at 5:11 pm
Rachel,
I hear ya.’
Helicopters aren’t everyone’s choice of transportation but they are very useful.
Rescuing folks in the mountains, from highway crashes and fires, all come to mind.
I rode in one once. I loved it but then again, I am pretty fearless. The only thing that freaks me out are rattlesnakes.