A medical rescue helicopter ignited into flames and disintegrated shortly after departing on Monday, eventually colliding with an apartment complex in the vicinity of Fort Lauderdale.

Tragically, the incident claimed the lives of a paramedic captain on board and a resident on the ground.

Authorities have reported that two other individuals on the helicopter and two residents at the apartment complex sustained injuries, the Associated Press has reported.

The helicopter, affiliated with the Broward Sheriff’s Office, was piloted by Broward County Fire-Rescue Capt. Terryson Jackson, aged 49.

Alongside him, a woman lost her life when the aircraft pierced through the roof of the complex after taking off from Pompano Beach Airpark around 8:45 a.m., as conveyed by Sheriff Gregory Tony.

The four individuals who sustained injuries were transported to a medical facility and are anticipated to recover.

Out of respect for the deceased woman’s family, her identity has not been disclosed at this time, according to Tony.

The crew, comprising three members, was en route to perform an emergency medical rescue with the aim of transporting a patient to the hospital.

Written by staff