Two Killed in Medical Helicopter Crash in NW Oklahoma City

Two people are dead and one critically injured after a medical helicopter crashes in Northwest Oklahoma City. Fox 25's Kisha Henry was live on the scene as crews investigated.

People nearby say they heard a loud explosion when the helicopter crashed. Miraculously, it landed right in between a nursing home and a retirement center. It didn't hit either building, but what was left of the wreckage was nearly unrecognizable.

"Oh my God! Somebody's in there?!" yells one 911 caller.

"What is it?" asks the dispatcher.

"It's a, it's a helicopter!" she says.

Just before six Friday morning, the 911 calls rang in after and Eagle Med helicopter crashed less than 100 feet from St. Ann's nursing home in Oklahoma City.

"The aircraft had three people on board. Two of the people have died," said Chief Marc Woodard, Oklahoma City Fire Dept.

There were no patients on board, but the pilot-- Mark Montgomery and flight nurse-- Chris Denning, died from the explosion on impact. Billy Wynne, a paramedic on board, survived the crash with critical injuries. St. Anne's Nursing Home says some of their employees helped rescue him from the wreckage.

"They moved him away from the aircraft before another explosion happened," says Chief Woodard.

"Oh! It just blew..  It just blew up!" yelled one 911 caller.

Crews say good Samaritans driving by also stopped to help. One received minor injuries and was treated on scene. Investigators say thanks to the pilot there were not numerous other injuries.

"This is a regular residential street. The pilot did a miraculous job landing the thing in the street without hitting other buildings, and preventing any other possible fatalities in this incident," says Chief Woodard.

Investigators say the helicopter had just left Baptist Medical Center and was headed to Watonga when it crashed. They say the pilot was not talking to air-traffic controllers when it happened. They're unsure what caused the crash but one 911 caller believes it had something to do with the weather.

"It just took a hit taking off cause the winds out of the Northwest," said the caller.

"Any time you have an aircraft down like this, they are pretty much unrecognizable," says Chief Woodard, pointing to the remains. Crews say it's hard to believe someone survived this wreckage, and it's all thanks to quick thinking, brave hearts and helping hands. "It's just the Oklahoma way-- the Oklahoma standard of what people do when there's a tragedy or an emergency. Everyone just comes in and help out," says Chief Woodard.

The National Weather Service says the conditions were clear at the time of the crash, and the wind speeds were around 14 mph.
        Two Killed in Medical Helicopter Crash in NW Oklahoma City

Posted: Friday, February 22 2013, 09:50 PM CST