On Tuesday morning, a shocking accident occurred as a medical helicopter, trying to land and assist victims of a fatal car crash, crashed into power lines in Butler County. The three crew members of the CareFlight helicopter were taken to a local hospital and had no life-threatening injuries.

The helicopter had been sent to assist two pickup trucks that had crashed on U.S. 127 near Eaton Road in Milford Township.

A 69-year-old woman was ejected from one of the pickup trucks and pronounced dead at the scene, according to a news release.

First responders had to remove the 43-year-old female passenger in the other vehicle using mechanical means. She was taken to a hospital with serious injuries. 

Other passengers suffered minor injuries. 

The Serious Traffic Accident Reconstruction Team (START) is processing both crashes and will be working with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in regard to the helicopter crash.

Investigators interviewed people who were at the scene and crew in the helicopters. 

Initially, nearly 400 Butler Rural Electric customers lost power as a result of the helicopter crash, but service was restored, according to the utility’s website.

CareFlight officials issued this statement: “Early this morning, a CareFlight helicopter operated by Air Methods Corp. responding to a vehicle accident in Butler County contacted wires and experienced a hard landing. Two of the three crew members onboard the CareFlight helicopter have been treated for their injuries and released. A third is being evaluated. Air Methods has contacted the National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration and will be working through the investigation process with these agencies. The safety of patients and crew is of the utmost importance to us. We are grateful that no one was seriously injured in this incident.”