Tributes paid to woman, 87, who died after Derriford helicopter landing incident
Cornwall Air Ambulance say its thoughts are with the families and crews affected
Last updated 6th Mar 2022
Tributes are being paid to the woman who died following a helicopter landing incident at Plymouth's Derriford Hospital.
Police say it is believed the 87- year-old was blown over by the down draft when a Coastguard chopper came in to land.
The force says the casualty was on a nearby footpath at the time and suffered a serious head injury; she died in hospital.
A second casualty, who was in the car park, is believed to have been injured when the down draft caused the car door to slam shut.
The woman, also in her 80s, suffered a broken pelvis and remains in a stable condition in hospital.
Now both Cornwall and Devon's air ambulance say their thoughts are with the families and crews affected.
Posting on Facebook on Saturday, Cornwall Air Ambulance said: "We are very sorry to learn about the tragic incident that took place at Derriford Hospital yesterday.
"The thoughts of the whole Cornwall Air Ambulance team are with the families of those involved and the HM Coastguard helicopter crew".
Police say the investigation is being led by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch and their thoughts go out to all those involved.
In a statement on Saturday, Detective Inspector Andy Hodges from Devon & Cornwall Police said: "Our role now is to assist with the investigation which is now being led on by the Air Accident Investigations Branch.
“This is a tragic incident and our thoughts go out to all affected by what took place yesterday at Derriford".
HM Coastguard and University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust have both been approached for a statement and updates will appear below.