Florida apartment complex hit by helicopter crash, claiming lives of fire captain and resident.
Fatal Helicopter Crash in Fort Lauderdale
In a tragic incident near Fort Lauderdale, a medical rescue helicopter burst into flames and disintegrated shortly after takeoff, crashing into an apartment complex. The crash claimed the lives of a paramedic captain and a resident on the ground, while leaving two others on board and two individuals at the complex injured.
The paramedic captain, Terryson Jackson, a dedicated 19-year veteran of Broward County Fire-Rescue, and a woman lost their lives when the Broward Sheriff’s Office helicopter crashed through the roof of the complex. The four injured individuals were rushed to the hospital and are expected to recover.
“Terryson was a rock star, he was one of the best of us,” expressed Sheriff Gregory Tony, who oversees Broward County’s fire department. “He bled this profession inside and out all day long.”
The injured firefighters are pilot Daron Roche, 37, and Mike Chaguaceda, 31. The identity of the deceased woman has not been disclosed pending notification of her family.
A video capturing the incident shows flames engulfing the helicopter’s midsection, followed by a plume of smoke. The helicopter then breaks apart and spirals downward before crashing. Another video angle reveals that the helicopter’s blades were not rotating rapidly.
Despite the dire situation, the crew members managed to radio paramedics at the medical emergency they were en route to, informing them that they would need to transport the patient to the hospital.
“We are talking about the character of these men,” Mr. Tony emphasized. “As they were fighting for their lives, they were thinking about somebody else.”
Witness Brian Piggott recounted that the helicopter started emitting smoke immediately after takeoff, losing altitude before crashing. Victoria Walczak, who was inside the apartment building, described the crash as louder than thunder, initially mistaking it for an explosion.
The National Transportation Safety Board is currently investigating the cause of the crash.
By Terry Spencer
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