Gran dies after helicopter down draft blows her over

AN 87-year-old grandmother has died after being blown over as a helicopter landed at a hospital.

And another woman in her 80s was being treated last night for a broken pelvis after her car door slammed shut on her during the same incident.

Devon and Cornwall Police said a coastguard helicopter carrying a casualty from a separate incident on Friday was landing on the helipad at Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, at about 11.20am.

Police said it is believed the down draft caused Jean Langan, from Plymouth, to be blown over as she walked on a nearby footpath, and blew the door of the other woman’s vehicle shut as she tried to get out of it in the car park, causing her injuries.

Mrs Langan’s niece, Gael

Hill, was with her during the incident, having taken her to hospital for an appointment.

She said: ‘Despite her age, Jean was very physically active – she would walk for miles and she liked to keep busy. She was a loving mother of one son and four grandchildren, who she cherished.’

Detective Inspector Andy Hodges said officers were helping an investigation by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch. The second woman remains in a stable condition.