Laser attacks could have catastrophic consequences, say pilots. File photo. Photo: 123rf.com
A rescue helicopter in Otago followed a car for 30 kilometres after lasers were pointed at the pilots flying on a hospital transfer mission this week.
Local pilots have condemned the behaviour of people who point lasers at helicopters, after two paramedics were targeted while flying over Palmerston.
Helicopters Otago said someone in a car shone lasers into the eyes of the paramedics mid-flight on Tuesday night, prompting the pilot to follow the car for about 30 kilometres until police brought the driver to a stop.
Managing director Graeme Gale said the laser attack came as a shock for the paramedics.
"They've since been to an eye specialist to get checked out, to make sure there's no damage to the back of their eyes," he said.
"It can be really serious and cause total blindness, so we don't take it lightly."
Gale said laser attacks could have catastrophic consequences.
"We're not out flying around at night for fun. We're taking seriously and critically ill patients to care," he said.
Police said the car was intercepted at about 1.40am near Coast Road in Omimi.
A vehicle of interest was searched and enquiries were ongoing, they said.
Gale said it was fortunate the helicopter was on a return journey and able to pursue the car but that was not always the case.
"We've had a number over the last 12 months and we've had quite a number over the last few years," he said.
"It's not just us, airlines get hit every now and again, but it's a criminal offence. You can't just go around pointing lasers and shining them at aircraft."
Last year a 39-year-old man who shone a laser at the Otago Rescue Helicopter for four minutes was charged with endangering transport.
A 33-year-old Dunedin man admitted shining a laser at a helicopter in 2021.
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