A malfunction of a rescue helicopter caused it to catch fire and crash into a residential building in Florida. The tragedy claimed the lives of two people and injured four others.
A Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue helicopter was flying to provide medical assistance to a mother and daughter who had been injured in a car accident in North Lauderdale. However, on the morning of August 28, the helicopter experienced mechanical problems that caused a fire on board.
According to the local sheriff, three people tried to contain the fire, but encountered “additional mechanical problems” that led to the helicopter crashing into a residential building southwest of the Pompano Beach airport.
Broward Sheriff’s Office Fire Rescue helicopter crashes in Pompano Beach, Florida. Two people on board were taken to a local hospital with unknown injuries. pic.twitter.com/dJlKxfUboe
– Breaking Aviation News & Videos (@aviationbrk) August 28, 2023
The crash killed a captain from the fire and rescue service who was on board the helicopter, as well as a woman who lived in the house.
Four other people were injured, including the pilot and a paramedic who were in the helicopter. They managed to get out of the wreckage to safety and were taken to the hospital. Two more civilians were also hospitalized.
According to the US Federal Aviation Administration, there were seven fatal airplane crashes in August alone (in addition to the new incident in Florida).
