Woman dies following incident involving coastguard helicopter at Derriford Hospital

Two people were injured as the helicopter landed on Friday 4th March

Author: Adam GoacherPublished 5th Mar 2022
Last updated 5th Mar 2022

An elderly woman has died following an incident involving a HM Coastguard helicopter in Plymouth.

Two people were injured at Derriford Hospital yesterday (Friday the 4th of March), as the helicopter came into land.

Devon and Cornwall Police say one person is being treated for their injuries and remains in hospital.

The second casualty, a local woman in her 80s, has since died and her next of kin have been informed.

Police are carrying out an initial investigation, assisted by a number of partner agencies.

In a statement on Friday evening, the force said: "Devon and Cornwall Police have been notified of an incident that has taken place today (Friday 4 March) on the grounds of Derriford Hospital.

"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 80s, 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".

Police have since issued an updated statement confirming the woman who died as 87 and is believed to have been blown over by the helicopter's down draft.

HM Coastguard and University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust have both been approached for a statement and updates will appear below.

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