UPI
LA MONTE, Mo. — Three people were seriously injured when a helicopter lost power and came down shortly after takeoff in La Monte, Mo., officials said.
The Staff for Life helicopter, operated by Air Methods, fell just feet away from a container holding jet fuel and several propane tanks, The Sedalia (Mo.) Democrat reported.
None of those aboard the helicopter in Sunday’s accident were identified, but their injuries were not life threatening, said Doug Briscoe, owner of American Paramedical Services, Inc.
Aboard the helicopter were the pilot, a flight nurse and a paramedic.
“They all had back injuries,” Briscoe said. “I wouldn’t say any of them are critical, but they did have serious injuries.”
Mariah Durham, assistant fire chief for the La Monte Fire Department, commended the pilot for avoiding the jet fuel container and propane tanks.
“It certainly could have been much worse,” Durham said. “It could have been a disaster here.”
Joan Drake, regional business manager for Air Methods, said the cause of the crash is still under investigation.
Copyright 2010 U.P.I.
All Rights Reserved