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CNN Live At Daybreak

Helicopter Crashes While Responding to Fatal Climbing Accident

Aired May 31, 2002 - 06:07   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: In Oregon, disaster narrowly averted. Rescuers responding to a fatal climbing accident on Mount Hood became victims themselves. Incredible pictures to show you now.

CNN's Skip Loescher has the story.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SKIP LOESCHER, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The Air Force Reserve helicopter was attempting to rescue nine climbers who fell into a crevasse near the top of Oregon's Mount Hood. Instead, the chopper appeared to lose lift, twisted, hit the snow, then rolled down the mountainside. One crew member was thrown from the aircraft and run over by it, as it tumbled down the slope.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Hang on, fellows. Oh, my goodness. Oh, that is horrible. Good lord, oh, fellows. Oh, my goodness.

ANGIE BLANCHARD, CLACKAMAS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE: It did go from bad to worse, and you know, we are here trying to help people, and unfortunately the rescuers became the rescuees.

LOESCHER: Rescue workers already on the mountain to help the climbers raced downhill to aid the five-person helicopter crew.

LT. CHRIS BERNARD, RESCUE SQUAD: All crewmembers are out and being treated right now. Unsure of their injuries, but there is a couple that are serious.

LOESCHER: Other helicopters were able to pluck stranded climbers off the mountain, although at least three of them had already died.

No one knows what caused the crash, but all of this happened in what seemed to be good weather at the rescue site, more than 10,000 feet up the side of Mount Hood.

Skip Loescher, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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