Also read an updated, Jan. 12 article, “As investigation into Drexel Hill helicopter crash continues, pastor of nearby church reflects on ‘miracle’ that everyone survived,” by Ellie Rushing of the Philadelphia Inquirer. “I’ve been reassessing my interpretation of miracle ever since,” said the Rev. Russell Atkinson of Drexel Hill UMC. Read more…

A medical helicopter carrying a baby and three other passengers to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia crashed on the lawn just in front of Drexel Hill UMC Tuesday, Jan. 11, at about 1 PM. But there are no reported life-threatening injuries nor damage to the church or neighboring homes.

The cause of the medevac crash just steps from the historic church in Upper Darby Township remains unclear. A nurse and two helicopter crew members were also aboard. The tail was ripped off and folded under the cockpit. But the four passengers escaped the wreckage before firefighters and police arrived.

“It’s an absolute miracle what you see behind me,” said Upper Darby Police Superintendent Timothy Bernhardt, adding that he wants to shake the pilot’s hand after bringing the helicopter down with so little destruction, including no downed trees or power lines.

A preschool was in session on the other side of the church, said the Rev. Russell Atkinson, pastor; but its students and staff were safely evacuated. The church is about a mile from Upper Darby High School. “It went down on the tiniest piece of green grass in front of our church but did not damage the stonework,” reported Atkinson, who went close to the site to observe.

The infant patient was being taken to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; but it was uncertain from where the helicopter was coming. Emergency officials at the scene said it’s incredible that the massive medical aircraft crashed without substantial damage to any surrounding buildings or injuries to any residents.

“We’re blessed as a community and as a fire department,” Upper Darby Fire Chief Thomas Sawyer said at the scene.

Also read an updated, Jan. 12 article, “As investigation into Drexel Hill helicopter crash continues, pastor of nearby church reflects on ‘miracle’ that everyone survived,” by Ellie Rushing of the Philadelphia Inquirer. “I’ve been reassessing my interpretation of miracle ever since,” said the Rev. Russell Atkinson of Drexel Hill UMC. Read more…