Tragedy strikes Pompano Beach: Helicopter crashes into one-story building leaving two hospitalised

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Pompano Beach witnessed a harrowing incident as a Broward Sheriff's Office Fire Rescue helicopter crashed on Monday morning, resulting in the hospitalization of two individuals. The crash occurred around 8:45 a.m. in the vicinity of North Dixie Highway and Atlantic Boulevard, southwest of the Pompano Beach Airpark.

A Fiery Descent: Witness Accounts

Cell phone footage captured by a witness documented the helicopter's distressing descent. Smoke and flames billowed from the aircraft as it spiraled and plummeted from the sky. The helicopter collided with a one-story multi-unit building upon impact, causing smoke to engulf the structure and leaving a significant breach in the roof.

Swift Response Amidst Chaos

First responders rushed to the scene, promptly dousing the compromised building with water to control the flames. Amidst the chaos, two individuals were transported to a local hospital under the care of BSO officials. As of now, their identities have not been disclosed. The extent of their injuries remains under assessment.

Traffic Diverted, Neighborhood Affected

The consequences of the crash rippled through the area, leading to the closure of Dixie Highway between Northeast 5th Street and Northeast 10th Street. The disruption reverberated beyond the immediate vicinity, as a nearby school, Blanche Ely High School, found itself in close proximity to the accident.

Aircraft Breaks Up: Shocking Moments Captured

Eyewitnesses recounted the shocking moments as the helicopter, identified as a Eurocopter EC135, broke up in mid-air, culminating in a tailspin and a catastrophic descent. Videos circulating online capture the aircraft's heartbreaking journey from the skies to its fateful collision with the apartment building.

Investig