Newly released bodycam video shows BSO deputy running into burning building after helicopter crash
The Broward Sheriff's Office has released dramatic bodycam video showing the moment a deputy runs into a burning apartment building to aid residents after a fire rescue helicopter crashed into it in 2023.
On Aug. 28, 2023, shortly before 9 a.m., the twin-engine Broward County Fire Rescue helicopter took off from Pompano Beach Airpark to respond to an emergency call. On board were pilot Daron Roche, Broward Sheriff Fire Battalion Chief Terryson Jackson and paramedic Mikael Chaguaceda.
Shortly after take off, the helicopter developed catastrophic engine trouble and Roche tried to make it back to the air park. There was a loud bang and the tail rotor snapped off, Chaguaceda would later recall.
BSO deputy raced toward danger to save lives
Deputy Mitchell Machado was on duty when saw the helicopter spewing black smoke as it spiraled down and crashed into an apartment building near Atlantic Boulevard and Dixie Highway in Pompano Beach.
In a video posted on Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony's X account, Machado explained what happened next.
Machado said he raced to the scene and immediately ran inside the apartment next to the one that the helicopter hit to see if anyone needed help.
"As I left that apartment I heard cries for help. I pulled out my baton and tried cracking the window, but I realized it was an impact window and there was no way I'd be able to get in there with just a baton. So as I was thinking 'how can I enter this apartment to help the people that are crying for help'. That's when the apartment (where the helicopter crashed) exploded and pushed me back," Machado said.
Jackson and Lurean Wheaton, who lived in the apartment, were both killed.
After the explosion, Machado ran to the other neighbors apartments to get the residents out. He then helped others evacuate the apartment building.
Sheriff Tony posted on X that Machado's "brave actions amid the flames helped prevent more loss."
Machado was recently awarded a medal of honor by the sheriff's office.
