On August 28, a helicopter crash occurred in Pompano Beach, Florida, resulting in the unfortunate deaths of Fire Captain Terryson Jackson and an unidentified female.
The rescue Airbus Helicopter EC 135T-1 was in transit to a call in North Lauderdale when it collided with a structure shortly post-departure from Pompano Beach Airpark at approximately 8:45 a.m.
It has been confirmed by the Broward County Sheriff’s Office that four others were seriously injured during the incident.
Following the crash, video evidence showed the helicopter descending, emitting black smoke from its tail before its impact near Blanche Ely High School. The helicopter and the impacted single-story structure were engulfed in flames.
Fire Chief Timothy Keffe commented on Jackson’s passing, noting that he was doing the job he was passionate about. Jackson was a 50-year-old with 19 years of service in the Broward Sheriff’s Office.
Remarkably, the two crew members, including the 37-year-old pilot, managed to evacuate and were located atop the damaged structure. Evacuation measures were implemented for the building’s residents, with one resident, Victoria Walczak, comparing the aftermath to a conflict zone.
Currently, the reasons for this tragic incident, which took place under clear skies, are being examined.
