2 Die, 7 Hurt in RAF Crash at Air Show
A British Royal Air Force helicopter taxiing during an air show burst into flames after a rotor struck a loading ramp Friday. Two crew members were killed and at least seven people were seriously injured, officials said.
Officials said “numerous others” suffered minor injuries from flying debris at the Hanover Airport.
A statement by the British Army of the Rhine said, “We can confirm that a Chinook Royal Air Force helicopter from Guetersloh (air base) had a ground taxiing accident.” It said there were five British military personnel aboard the U.S.-made Chinook helicopter. Three survivors were injured.
Hanover Airport fire officials said at least four people near the ramp were seriously injured.
“It was like a bad dream, like a bomb went off,” said Caren Niewisch, 27, of Los Angeles, who had been watching the air show. “People fell and tried to get away.”
Initial reports had said the helicopter belonged to the U.S. military.
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