Grand Rapids Helicopter Crash

On May 29, 2008 a helicopter crashed into Spectrum Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The two people on board escaped with minor injuries just moments before the helicopter went up in flames.

Grand Rapids police report that the top floors of the hospital were evacuated and incoming patients diverted to other hospitals. Surgeries were temporarily canceled. Later in the day the patients were able to return to the top floor rooms.

A hospital spokeswoman reported that the helicopter was attempting to take off from the hospital at the time of the crash.

A witness said that he saw the helicopter begin to take off from the roof of the hospital when its tail rotor hit a radio tower. The impact caused the helicopter to spin out of control.

Rescue crews on the roof called for a backboard and neck brace for the pilot, before evacuating him to a nearby hospital.

Fast Facts

1. Accident occurred on May 29, 2008
2. Crash site: Spectrum Hospital, Grand Rapids, Michigan
3. Two escaped with minor injuries
4. Top floors of hospital were evacuated

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