This morning (10:58 am ET)an Aero-Med helicopter attempting to leave the heli-pad on top of Spectrum Hospital in Grand Rapids went into a spin and crashed.
The Grand Rapids Press has been reporting hourly on the mishap on it's M-Live blog page.
The Grand Rapids Press said "A Federal Aviation Administration official reports there were two people in the helicopter, a pilot and a passenger. Both escaped without serious injuries."
We are thankful for the safety of those involved and the quick reaction by area firemen and police officials.
The fire was under control within a short period of time.
Kudos to The Grand Rapids Press in their fantastic coverage (as always) of the situation.
Photo's by Hoyt E. Carrier, II and Chris Clark of the Grand Rapids Press.
Good afternoon Duane - Very Interesting pictures, I am thankful there were no injuries or anyone hurt at the hospital.
Duane - I am happy that no one was injured. It seems rare that this type of accident occurs without any fatalities. Good stuff!
I understand that patients had to be evacuated into the street. What a scary event, but one that was apparently handled very professionally by responders to the emergency.
Pam, thank you for stopping by. I'm thankful as well for the safety of the pilot and co-pilot as well as the fire fighters. Scary.
Jason, so true. Even though a crash occurred, the Good Man above must have been looking down on the situation in keeping everyone safe.
Brian, yes, they did end up evacuating the top floor. It almost looks like a war zone by the photo's.
Thanks for taking the time to stop by and comment.
Wow, I am glad everyone seems to be safe!
Duane, thanks for the update on the helicopter crash in your area.
Jeremy, isn't that some thing? Pretty scary stuff. The Grand Rapids Press blog has added some more photo's if you get a chance to check it out.
Thanks for stopping by.
Duane
Duane, I'm so glad no one was killed. Wasn't it last year that U of M lost a flight crew and patient? That was so very sad.
Good Afternoon Duane
very intense photos, leaves me with chills. I gather this near trajedy is relatively close to you? Glad to read that both walked away; what a blessing
Duane- Good to hear everyone was ok. It was all over the news up here. Those pictures are crazy.
Wow! I am so glad the pilot and passenger managed to walk away from this incident without any major injuries. That had to be unbelievably frightening...
Hello Duane,
I am so glad there were no injuries. It could have been so much worse. I hope you are doing well yourself. Take care....
Gary, you are welcome, pretty sad deal.
Duane - Something went right in this disaster that could have been horrific. The photo looked pretty intense!
Kris, I believe it was just last year. The Grand Rapids Press blog has the stats on medical helicopter crashes, almost scary, and sad.
Patti, my old home town, I still have breakfast in the area occasionally. My in-laws were both in Spectrum about a month ago in the very building.
Michael, the photo's remind me of when they news was in Kuwait filming the bombings.
Carolyn, I would say they were a lucky pair after looking at the latest photo's on the Grand Rapids Press blog. Had to be real scary for all concerned.
Becky, they cheated death today, I would be out buying a lottery ticket if I were them.
I'm doing well, thanks you for asking. Hope all is well with you as well.
Have a great day in The Rain,
Duane
Virginia, yes, lucky men! Had to be terrifying to say the least.
This was not the way Grand Rapids wanted to be put on the map. I'm glad noone was hurt. Heck everyone is glad noone was hurt.
Robert, so true! What a shock it was, but glad for the pilots and families that it came out as well as it did.
Those chopper guys were so fortunate to get out of that without major injuries - whew!! we could see the smoke all the way from our house 7-8 miles away.
Bonnie, I agree, after seeing the pictures they were very lucky. Thank you so much for stopping by and commenting.
Duane