Grand Rapids - An Aeromed helicopter practicing landings and take-offs from Spectrum Hospital downtown crashed about 11:00am this morning.
Due to the quick response of emergency crews and hospital staff, both people inside the helicopter received immediate medical attention.
Damage was kept to minimum and a dangerous situation was quickly brought under control.
The pilot and an FAA Safety Inspector onboard were able to escape the helicopter before it caught fire. Fire and smoke were seen throughout downtown Grand Rapids. Both people are in stable condition at Spectrum.
The top floors of the hospital, where pediatric patients are treated, were evacuated.
No one in the hospital was injured.
Surgeries scheduled today have been postponed and ambulances were the only vehicles given access to the hospital.
At one point, there was a loss of power, but emergency generators came on until power was restored.
All emergency traffic has now been resumed at the hospital.
An eyewitness said the helicopter landed, then lifted off and got to about 100 feet. According to the witness, it looked like the rear rotor clipped an antenna and the helicopter crashed down onto the helipad and rolled on its side.
There is not much left of the helicopter.
Emergency crews responded from all across the city. Some of the main roads around the hospital are being re-opened.
The Grand Rapids Police Department reports that some side roads will remain closed to allow investigators to search for debris.
In your voice
Play 
