One Woman Says Fuel Fell On Her Hair And Clothes Causing Eye Burn
The Army is investigating after one of its helicopters allegedly released fuel at a low altitude over neighborhoods on the Phoenix-Tempe border February 5.
Phoenix and Tempe fire crews were called to several neighborhoods that day for reports of an aircraft fuel-release. A Tempe official said when crews arrived on scene, there was a strong odor of fuel. An Army spokesperson said they are “aware of an incident potentially involving an Army aircraft and fuel release near Tempe. Coordination with the Tempe Fire Department and Environmental Services is ongoing to assess any possible impact. The Army is looking into the incident and will release more details as they become available.” The Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs said it was an active-duty Army helicopter, not an Arizona National Guard helicopter.
The Phoenix Police Department and the Phoenix Fire Department were called for medical evaluation after people came in contact with a substance believed to be fuel. One woman said she had chemical burns to her eye. Stephanie Bagorio was outside when she felt what she thought was rain falling on her hair and clothes. “The gas fell inside my eyelid,” Bagorio told a Phoenix television station. Bagorio and several of her neighbors described a fuel-like chemical that fell from a low-lying helicopter and landed on cars and homes off 45th Street and Broadway. Bagorio had to have her eye flushed after going to the emergency room for chemical burns to her eye.
Fuel releases are regulated, and require permission from air traffic control. They usually occur at high altitudes to allow the fuel to atomize, and are not usually done over populated areas.
