Three killed as medical helicopter crashes
A medical helicopter returning to its base with a pilot and two nurses aboard crashed into Puget Sound just north of Edmonds, Washington State apparently killing all three people, authorities said.
Human remains and aircraft wreckage were found early today, hours after the Airlift Northwest helicopter lost contact with dispatchers late yesterday, authorities said. The helicopter apparently sank in 300 feet of water, Edmonds police Sgt. Jeff Jones said.
The identities of the victims weren’t released. All worked for Airlift Northwest.
The debris was found in an area of Puget Sound called Browns Bay, said Coast Guard Petty Officer Adam Eggers. Jones said papers found floating about a mile offshore identified the aircraft.
The helicopter had been returning to Arlington, Washington, airport from Harborview Medical Centre in Seattle, about a 40-mile trip. There were areas of fog and mist and some gusty winds at the time.
A resident made an emergency phone call and reported hearing a helicopter fly over, then an explosion, Jones said.
Airlift Northwest, based in Seattle, provides emergency air transport service for critically ill or injured patients in Washington, Alaska, Montana, Idaho and western Canada, its website said.
