Re: Breaking news: Channel 3 & 15 Choppers collide & crash at Indian School Par
I'm kinda late to the discussion, but I'd been on vacation for the past three weeks and found out about the crash while on the road. It was eerie to find out that it happened over Steele Indian School Park.
I work on the 12th floor of a building at Central and Osborn, less than a mile from the crash site. We have a full view of the park and often see the helicopters hovering overhead to cover a story. We can see the individual helicopters and usually can make out who they are. They generally give each other a wide berth; I've never seen a helicopter get anywhere near another.
At least four of my co-workers actually saw the accident happen. One was so shaken up, he had to leave work early; he couldn't concentrate on his work after what he'd seen. Today was my first day back at work, and I spoke to him. He said that he'd seen explosions in movies, video, and on TV, but this was much, much worse. Given the time of day, I'm sure I'd have seen the crash myself if I'd been in the building, or would have been nearby if I'd been at lunch. I occasionally eat lunch in the park.
Based on the legal definition of negligent homicide that KeithE4 posted, I don't think the moron who stole the truck should be charged with the four deaths. His actions, though criminal, did not cause the crash. A mid-air mistake did. Four other helicopters operated in the same airspace safely. Those helicopters did not have to be there. The news directors, reporters and pilots chose to be there and assumed all of the risks associated with covering a story by helicopter.
My heart goes out to all of the families and friends of the pilots and photographers. Losing a loved one is hard enough; losing them in the prime of their life is a real tragedy.
