Broward Sheriff’s Office helicopter crashes into an apartment building in Pompano Beach, causing 2 deaths and 4 injuries.

Tragedy struck in Pompano Beach, Florida, on a fateful Monday morning when a Broward County Sheriff’s Office helicopter crashed into an apartment building, engulfing the scene in thick black smoke and flames. The incident, which occurred around 8:45 a.m., shook the community and left two people dead and at least four others injured.

The ill-fated event took place at the intersection of West Dixie Highway and NE 10th Street, a mere ten blocks north of West Atlantic Boulevard. The Eurocopter EC135 helicopter, carrying three individuals, met with disaster. Initial reports from the FAA indicated that there were three people onboard.

Tragically, the crash resulted in the loss of two lives. Among the victims was a dedicated firefighter who was part of the helicopter crew, and another victim, a woman who was in her home at the time of the crash. Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony conveyed the heart-wrenching news, explaining, “He was one of my firefighters. We lost one of our captains today who was onboard serving his community, hoping that he would get a chance to do what he does best which is to land and extract somebody else. Unfortunately, in the crash he was trapped, could not get out, and we lost him.” The firefighter was identified as Capt. Terryson Jackson.

The crash also resulted in injuries to four individuals – two from within the helicopter and two on the ground. These injured individuals were promptly transported to North Broward Medical Center for medical attention. Among those injured were the helicopter’s pilot, Daron Roche, aged 37, who had been with the Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue for four years. The other injured person was firefighter paramedic Mikael “Mike” Chaguaceda, aged 31, a member of the Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue for five years.

Veda Coleman-Wright, the spokesperson for the sheriff’s office, revealed during a news conference at the crash site that the helicopter was on its way to respond to an incident in North Lauderdale. Unfortunately, the aircraft encountered difficulties leading to the crash. The helicopter was en route to assist a woman involved in a car crash when it experienced engine trouble, according to Sheriff Tony. The situation escalated as a fire broke out onboard, followed by additional mechanical issues.

Videos captured by local residents showcased smoke billowing from the helicopter just moments before the crash. Eyewitnesses recounted their experiences, with an individual residing in the apartment building mentioning a loud crash followed by evacuation orders. Another onlooker who rushed to assist described the chaotic scene, recounting the intense fire and subsequent explosions. Amid the chaos, a heroic figure propped up a ladder against the building, allowing two crew members to crawl out and find safety.

The injured crew members were visibly shaken but seemingly miraculously unharmed. One witness, Jared Liverpool, shared his feelings, stating, “My heart was just racing, there was a lot going on at the moment. I just felt many emotions. I was scared, nervous.” He went on to describe the officers’ descent from the rooftop and the caring response of a police officer.

In light of the tragic incident, local authorities urged motorists to steer clear of the affected area, as Dixie Highway was expected to remain closed throughout the day. However, Brightline trains continued to operate as usual. Investigations into the crash are now underway, with both the NTSB and the FAA involved. Air traffic control records indicated that the pilot had reported engine failure moments before the crash.

The aviation community is awaiting further information about this heartrending incident. The helicopter’s dual engines prompt questions about whether one or both engines failed, raising concerns about helicopter safety, maintenance, and regulations. As the investigation proceeds, the community mourns the loss of a dedicated firefighter and reflects on the importance of air safety and emergency response procedures.

By: M Z Hossain, Editor Sky Buzz Feed