SOUTH ROANE COUNTY, Tenn. — We are learning more about a strange and potentially dangerous incident that occurred early Wednesday afternoon in the Blackberry community of South Roane County, near the Loudon County line.
According to South Roane County Fire Chief Mike Curtis, a 2009 Ford Explorer—part of the department’s fleet—somehow rolled approximately 150 feet unattended into an awaiting Lifestar medical helicopter that had landed to assist with a trauma patient. The vehicle was reportedly parked and left as part of the landing zone perimeter when it unexpectedly began moving.
In an exclusive phone interview with BBB-TV, Chief Curtis stated that the SUV was found in park after the collision. “I have no explanation at this time for how the vehicle rolled,” he said. “It was on level ground, and we’re planning to recreate the scene to determine what might have happened.”
The impact occurred around 2:15 p.m. and caused significant damage to the nearly brand-new Lifestar helicopter, which had fewer than 100 hours of flight time. Its front windshield was shattered and additional front-end damage was reported. Fortunately, the pilot—who was inside the helicopter at the time—was not injured.
The patient, a Hispanic male who reportedly suffered possible head trauma at a nearby residential construction site, had to be transported by ground ambulance to UT Medical Center in Knoxville. The two paramedics originally aboard Lifestar accompanied him to the hospital.
Chief Curtis said the fire department vehicle was likely traveling about 10 miles per hour when it struck the helicopter. The SUV suffered front-end damage and may be considered totaled. The vehicle had been donated to the department by Volunteer Electric Cooperative.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol is handling the report, which, according to Curtis, may be unique. “They don’t usually write crash reports involving helicopters being struck on the ground,” he said.
No other vehicles were hit, and no injuries were reported in the crash—something the chief said he is extremely thankful for.
