A news chopper went down on Broad Street in downtown Seattle just a few feet from the Space Needle on Tuesday morning. Three cars were involved in the crash and reportedly exploded.
Wreckage of news chopper, 2 cars still exploding right now @komonews
Local reporter for KOMO news, Kelly Koopmans, heard the crash from the KOMO newsroom.
We heard the chopper swirling down to the ground. Rushed out to see the unbelievable, our @komonews chopper crashing into at least 2 cars
Seattle news helicopter down. Broad Street #DirectorTweet
We heard the helicopter crash right outside our newsroom. At least 2 cars involved @komonews
Two people on board the helicopter have died, and one was transported from the scene in critical condition. The two who died were the only people on board the helicopter, according to the Seattle Fire Department.
2 DOAs at helicopter crash scene near space needle.
A 38-year-old man who was in a car at the scene was transported to Harborview hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Medics transporting an approx 37 yo male to HMC in critical condition self extricated from car
Video from the scene:
View this video on YouTube
This photo shows how close the crash was to the Space Needle.
Minutes ago
@KING5Seattle in front of the space needle just now
The helicopter was taking off at the time of the crash, according to the FAA.
Investigators from @FAANews and @NTSB en route to scene of this morning's helicopter crash near @seattlecenter
UPDATE — March, 18, 2:00 p.m. ET
KOMO-TV says long time Seattle photographer Bill Strothman was killed in today's helicopter crash. Strothman's son, Dan, is also a KOMO photographer.
We're sharing the life & love of Bill Strothman #liveonkomo. He was today's camera operator in Air 4:
Bill Strothman, the KOMO videographer killed in helicopter crash, won 13 Emmy awards over his career.
Thoughts and prayers to family of Bill Strothman, photographer killed in KOMO helicopter crash today.
Bill's son, Dan, is a 2nd gen KOMO photog & my partner in the South Sound Bureau. I had the horrible task of delivering the news to him.
Second person killed identified as pilot Gary Pfitzner.
Pilot killed-Gary Pfitzner, also flew backup for @kiro7chopper at times. Respected by all @KIRO7Seattle
Photo of helicopter pilot Gary Pfitzner. Family: "he loved to fly." Planned to retire soon from Boeing.