Helicopter crashes at Grand Rapids, Mich. hospital
James PrichardA helicopter crashed at a hospital on Thursday, sending thick, black smoke over downtown and forcing the evacuation of patients from the building.
It was not clear whether anyone had been injured in the crash, which happened around 11 a.m.
A fire dispatcher confirmed the crash happened at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital, but could not provide any other details. The police department was setting up a command center, but had no other details.
Lynda Ignatoski, who was standing outside the Towers Medical building on the Spectrum Health campus, told The Grand Rapids Press she saw the helicopter's tail hit a radio tower on the hospital's roof.
Ignatoski said the helicopter spun around and debris flew everywhere. She said the helicopter hit the roof and exploded in flames.
Spectrum Health Butterworth, located in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, is part of the largest campus of Spectrum Health, which is a nonprofit health care system based in western Michigan.
Butterworth Hospital is the only level 1 trauma center for the most serious patients in western Michigan.
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On the Net:
Spectrum Health: http://www.spectrum-health.org