Bizarre accident

Times Reporter  

 

An incident on Strathcona Road on April 25 saw one man airlifted to Foothills hospital in critical condition. At approximately 9:15 p.m. the Strathmore RCMP received a call requesting ambulance assistance for a 25-year-old male with significant head injury. 

“The male was found to have been using a radio-controlled helicopter and it appeared that he got too close to the blades while they were rotating and they caused significant lacerations to his neck and his head,” said Sgt. Steve Vince.

“He was airlifted to Foothills Hospital by STARS Air Ambulance where he remains in critical but stable condition.”

Vince said it sounds like one person was holding the gas/nitro-infused remote helicopter to drain fuel out of it, and another person had the remote. Gas-powered radio helicopters can range from 12 inches in length to up to four feet. 

“As with any gas-powered equipment it is essential to ensure that all equipment is turned off and safe before maintaining that equipment,” said Vince. 

There are no charges pending, and alcohol was not a factor in the accident.