helicopter crash maryland
A commercial helicopter crashed onto a western Maryland interstate highway and burst into flames late Thursday, killing all four people on board, emergency officials said. (July 24)
Wreckage of a Robinson R-44 helicopter is removed from the eastbound lanes of Interstate 70 near the Washington and Frederick County line in Maryland early Friday, July 24, 2009. (WTTG)
Four people died late Thursday when a helicopter crashed on a western Maryland highway, emergency officials said.
The crash occurred about 10:30 p.m. on Interstate 70 in Washington County, said Kevin Lewis, director of county emergency services.
"When emergency personnel arrived, they found a small commercial aircraft, a Robinson 44 helicopter, with four passengers," he said. "I can confirm four fatalities on site as a result of the crash."
The helicopter did not strike any cars, Lewis said.
The highway had to be shut down as officials investigated the crash. It reopened about 5 a.m. ET Friday,
The R-44 helicopter is usually a very reliable helicopter; well built. I have flown in the r-44 several times and you do get a feeling of security. However, I would be interested in learning what caused this accident.