Woman in her 80s dies as HM Coastguard helicopter lands at a hospital helipad – and one person remains in hospital
- A woman in her 80s has died after an incident involving a helicopter landing
- A HM Coastguard helicopter landed at a helipad at Derriford Hospital on Friday
- One person remains in hospital injured, while woman in her 80s has since died
- Incident is being investigated by police and Air Accidents Investigation Branch
A woman in her 80s has died and another person is in hospital after an incident involving a coastguard helicopter landing at a Plymouth hospital.
Two people are thought to have been injured as a HM Coastguard helicopter landed at a helipad at Derriford Hospital on Friday, Devon and Cornwall Police said.
One person remains in hospital, where they are being treated for injuries, according to the force.
The second person who was injured in the incident, a local woman in her 80s, has since died.
Two people are thought to have been injured as a HM Coastguard helicopter landed at a helipad at Derriford Hospital (pictured) on Friday, Devon and Cornwall Police said
One person remains in hospital while the second person who was injured in the incident, a local woman in her 80s, has died. Pictured: Air Accidents Investigation Branch at the scene
A spokeswoman for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency told the BBC the helicopter was flying a patient to the hospital when ‘there was an incident’ as it landed.
‘Our thoughts are with all those affected by today’s incident,’ she added.
The incident is being investigated by the police and Air Accidents Investigation Branch.
Devon and Cornwall Police said on Twitter: ‘One person has died and another remains in hospital following an incident that has taken place today on the grounds of Derriford Hospital, involving a HM Coastguard helicopter.
‘An initial investigation is being conducted by Devon and Cornwall Police.’
In a statement, the force added: ‘Devon and Cornwall Police have been notified of an incident that has taken place today (Friday 4 March) on the grounds of Derriford Hospital.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said the helicopter was flying a patient to the hospital when ‘there was an incident’ as it landed. Pictured: A Sea King helicopter landing at the Derriford Hospital helipad in 2015
The incident is being investigated by the police and Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB car pictured at the scene)
A Department for Transport spokesperson said it would be ‘inappropriate to comment while the incident is being investigated’. Pictured: AAIB car at scene
‘It is believed that two members of the public were injured as a HM Coastguard helicopter was landing at the helipad at Derriford.
‘One person is being treated for their injuries and remains in hospital.
‘The second injured person, a local woman in her 80’s, has since died; their next of kin have been made aware.
‘An initial investigating is being conducted by Devon and Cornwall Police assisted by a number of partner agencies.’
A Department for Transport spokesperson said: ‘Our deepest sympathies go out to those affected by the incident at Derriford Hospital.
‘It would be inappropriate to comment while the incident is investigated by Devon and Cornwall Police and the Air Accidents Investigation Branch.’
MailOnline has contacted HM Coastguard for further comment.
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