Broward Sheriff’s Office Fire Rescue Helicopter Crashes in Pompano Beach, Leaving Two Dead and Four Injured
POMPANO BEACH, Fla. – A tragic incident unfolded in Pompano Beach on Monday morning when a Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) Fire Rescue helicopter crashed into an apartment building, resulting in two fatalities and four injuries. Authorities have confirmed the devastating incident.
According to reports from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), one person onboard the helicopter and another person on the ground lost their lives in the crash. The BSO identified the fallen BSO captain as 50-year-old Terryson Jackson, a dedicated member of the agency for 19 years. Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony spoke highly of Jackson, describing him as an outstanding and committed professional who had a profound impact on the community.
The crash occurred around 8:45 a.m. near North Dixie Highway and Atlantic Boulevard, not far from the Pompano Beach Airpark. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the helicopter involved was a Eurocopter EC135, which had crashed into the apartment building with significant impact. Videos and raw footage shared by witnesses on social media show the helicopter emitting smoke before spiraling out of control and crashing to the ground.
Pompano Beach spokeswoman Sandra King revealed that two BSO crew members and two civilians inside the apartment building were rushed to Broward Health North Hospital. Thankfully, all four individuals are currently listed in fair condition.
Further footage captured two men, presumably BSO personnel, perched on a roof near the crash site. They were seen descending from the roof with the help of first responders and witnesses who had placed a ladder against the building. The injured civilians’ father and sister expressed their distress and concern for their loved ones, who were alone in the apartment when the incident occurred.
Eyewitnesses recounted hearing loud explosions and witnessing flames shortly after the crash. The immediate area surrounding the accident, specifically Dixie Highway between Northeast Fifth Street and Northeast 10th Street, has been temporarily closed as authorities investigate the incident.
Both the FAA and NTSB will conduct a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the crash. Their findings will shed light on the circumstances leading up to this devastating accident.
News of the helicopter crash has sent shockwaves through the community, with residents expressing their condolences for the lives lost and their support for those affected. The BSO Fire Rescue team and the entire agency are mourning the loss of Captain Terryson Jackson, who dedicated nearly two decades of his life to serving and protecting the community.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on understanding the factors that contributed to this tragic event and preventing similar incidents from occurring in the future.
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