Helicopter crashes, explodes in flames on hospital roof

[spenac]

http://canadianpress.google.com/article/AL...fExxvfYmRonPx9g

Helicopter crashes, explodes in flames on hospital roof in Grand Rapids. Mich.

34 minutes ago

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A helicopter has crashed and exploded in flames on the roof of a hospital in Grand Rapids, Mich..

Television images show thick, black smoke visible at the Spectrum Health campus.

It isn't immediately known if anyone was hurt in the crash, which happened around 11 am..

Lynda Ignatoski, who was standing outside the Towers Medical building, says she saw the helicopter's tail hit a radio tower on the hospital's roof.

Ignatoski says the helicopter spun around and debris flew everywhere before the helicopter hit the roof and exploded.

[shima]

I had a customer come in and tell me the same thing, he was on the phone with his son as it was happening and he works for the sheriff's dept in G.R. and his son's girlfriend works at spectrum, he was trying to find out if she was ok, it was just on the noon news also...........hope and pray everyone makes it through!!!!

[ConstanceGoodheart]

Wow! Looks like tv's ER is coming to life. Hope injuries are minimal besides the obvious helicopter crew.

[spenac]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080529/ap_on_...elicopter_crash

Helicopter crashes at Mich. hospital, no deaths By JAMES PRICHARD, Associated Press Writer

8 minutes ago

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - A helicopter practicing approaches crashed on the roof of a hospital Thursday, catching fire moments after the two people on board escaped with minor injuries, a fire official said.

The crash around 11 a.m. at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital sent thick, black smoke over downtown and forced the evacuation of patients.

The two people aboard were in stable condition, said Richard Breon, president and CEO of Spectrum Health.

No patients were aboard the chopper, which crashed around 11 a.m. on a helipad atop the hospital. It landed on its side and the two people got out before it caught fire, Fire Chief John VanSolkema said.

"There's not a whole lot left, but you can tell it was a helicopter," VanSolkema said.

Elizabeth Isham Cory, a spokeswoman for the Federal Aviation Administration in Chicago, said the helicopter was practicing approaches at the time of the crash.

Patients were temporarily evacuated to other buildings on the Spectrum Health campus.

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.

She said the chopper spun around and debris flew everywhere. She said the helicopter hit the roof and exploded in flames. Debris was found near the hospital, but there were no reports of injuries or damage on the ground.

American Red Cross spokeswoman Caroline Clunk said volunteers were setting up canteens on the scene to assist evacuees, firefighters and other rescue workers.

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.

___

Associated Press writers Ben Leubsdorf, David Runk and Corey Williams in Detroit contributed to this report.

___

[ERDoc]

This is one of the hospitals that I work at. The helicopter had a pilot and FAA offical on board and were practicing approaches. Both were able to get out before the fire started. The ER (the largest in most of Michigan and the only Level 1 in Western MI) was closed and several floors were evacuated. Most things have returned to normal now.

[medicKristina]

I am SO glad to hear that everyone escaped major injury. There may be some mental trauma, but hopefully that can be overcome! Of course, it is also a good thing that something like this happens at a Level I trauma center - at least they could handle the situation if serious injuries occurred (assuming that their area wasn't damaged as well) God Bless!

[asy]

Thanks for the update, spenac and ERDoc.

Good to hear flight crew members are safe, as well as everyone else.

[emsambulance]

I pray for the team members and their families affected by this tragedy.

May the Lord keep them now and forevern in His love and peace.

Amen!

Chaplain Louis Bernhardt

[unknown]

Thank Goodness No one was Hurt in this crash. Thanks for the Updates guys. Keeps the mind at ease knowing whats going on, so we dont have to expect the worst......

[Just Plain Ruff]

and the FAA investigation is 1/2 complete since there was a FAA guy involved.