One Killed, Two Injured When Medical Helicopter Crashes In Colorado

One person was killed and two others were seriously injured Friday when an air medical transport helicopter crashed in Colorado, sparking a massive blaze, officials said.

The crash happened about 1:40 p.m. local time in Frisco, Lake Dillon Fire Battalion Chief Shaun Sawyer said at a news conference. Firefighters arrived five minutes later and found the helicopter, an RV, and a pickup truck "all fully involved" in a large fire.

The crash killed the pilot and seriously injured the two other crew members who were on board, according to an official with Centura Health, the company that operated the helicopter. The official said at the news conference Friday that the pilot "was unfortunately stuck in the helicopter and had to be pulled out by our staff."

The officials said that the two crew members "have significant injuries, but I think survivable injuries."

The RV and the truck were empty at the time of the crash, according to the Lake Dillon Fire Department.

Officials did not say what caused the crash, though FAA and National Transportation Safety Board teams were investigating.

Witnesses said on social media that the helicopter crashed shortly after takeoff near a bike park.

"Just hanging out at the bike park. Look over and a helicopter is falling out the sky. Prayers needed," Joseph Ruyle posted on Instagram.

The chopper was a part of Flight for Life, which is operated by Centura Health. According to the company, the helicopters are "available 24 hours a day" for "air ambulance and critical care transport services."

The helicopters can "be requested by any physician, ambulance service, fire department, law enforcement agency or search and rescue group," according to Centura Health. A spokeswoman for the company didn't return a request for information.