Germiston heli crash leaves three injured

Image: ER24 (Click on image for larger view.)

A small helicopter went down in Germiston this afternoon, near the Rand Airport. The R44 crashed at the side of the N3, landing in the field next to the road. At this time, there is no indication as to what the cause of the crash is.

Paramedics and rescuers were immediately dispatched to the scene, while the AER24 medicopter and SAP helicopter made their way to the incident, knowing the injuries that patients involved in aviation accidents can sustain; they wanted to ensure that all necessary resources were immediately available should the patients require.

Despite the damage to the body of the aircraft, first responders found that the three occupants had been able to be easily freed from the wreckage. The pilot, a woman and a man had been injured and paramedics initiated their treatment. Fortunately, although their injuries would need further assessment in hospital, all three patients appeared to be in a stable condition. The pilot had sustained what appeared to be chest injuries, and AER24 airlifted him to Milpark hospital. The woman had suffered a broken leg, and the ER24 Advanced Life Support paramedic went with the patient to Union hospital in the SAPS aircraft. The third patient was transported to Union hospital by ambulance.

Investigations into the aircraft crash will be conducted by the necessary officials.

- ER24