SEATTLE, WA – A tragic day in Seattle after a news helicopter crashes, killing two people, leaving those on the ground burned and severely injured.
The pilot, Gary Fitzner, and news photographer, Bill Strothman, both for KOMO channel 4 and KING channel 5 were pronounced dead at the scene after the early morning crash.
The weather did not appear to be the cause of the crash, but apparently the pilot sensed something went wrong and tried to land on top of one of the news buildings near the Space Needle. The aircraft began to tip on its side, and that’s when the pilot lost control and the chopper fell to the ground. A 37-year-old man was inside his car when the helicopter crashed on top of it, sending it up in flames.
“I noticed that one of the cars was hit, and then couple seconds later it went up into flames…I could barely see the guy getting out of his car on fire,” Carmen Romero said in a statement.
Firefighters arrived moments afterwards to put out the fire. They also said the man in the car was taken to Harborview Medical Center in critical condition with burns over 50% of his body. Other victims who were hit by the scattered debris; but are expected to be okay. Bits and pieces is not all of what’s left in the streets of downtown Seattle, but broken hearts of family, friends, and those who experienced the tragedy.
Seattle mayor Ed Murray said in a press conference, “On behalf of Seattle, I would like to express my deepest condolence to the families of both victims and to all their colleagues at KOMO. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this incredible difficult moment.”
