WEST TEXAS

Bird Strikes Medical Helicopter, Forces Landing

A medical helicopter in West Texas with a patient on board made an emergency landing after a bird crashed through two windows.

An Air Evac Lifeteam spokeswoman said a crew flying from Abilene to Lubbock reported the accident Tuesday night and landed in a parking lot between a motel and a fast-food restaurant in Merkel, 20 miles west of Abilene. She says the bird struck a nurse inside the helicopter. The nurse was later treated for minor injuries.

No other injuries were reported.

Another helicopter crew was called out to transport the patient, whose condition is unknown.

Officials didn't say what kind of bird was involved.

Copyright The Associated Press
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