Two dead in helicopter crash (From The Northern Echo)

Two dead in helicopter crash

7:07am Thursday 9th August 2007 in News By Nigel Burton

Two people have died and ten people have been injured after a military helicopter crashed in North Yorkshire.

The troop carrying helicopter crashed near Catterick Garrison, Europe's largest base and home to the Army's Infantry Training Centre.

Emergency services said two people had died and ten more were in hospital.

The incident happened around 9pm and sparked a full-scale alert with police, ambulance, fire, a mountain rescue team and the RAF involved.

At least 12 casualties were taken to hospital, with injuries ranging from 'very serious' to 'walking wounded'.

Five were taken to the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, by RAF Sea King helicopters.

A North Yorkshire Ambulance Service spokeswoman said two more injured personnel were ferried in a separate trip by the Sea King. Another casualty had been taken to the Friarage Hospital, Northallerton, by road ambulance.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said the aircraft had come down in a wooded area to the west of Catterick Garrison.

Witnesses said the helicopter experienced engine trouble before tilting over onto its side and plunging out of the air.

A military board of inquiry has been set up to establish what happened.

* Did you see the accident? Contact the newsdesk on 01325 505068.