Hospital helipad damaged by vandals, puts patients at risk

Vandals caused nearly $3,000 in damage to the helicopter landing pad at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Hospital, police say.

Fourteen lights were damaged at a cost of $2,800.

Police say the financial consideration is minor compared to the potential risk to patients' lives by delaying emergency care. Helicopters need the lights to land.

Police are appealing for help in finding the culprits who damaged the helipad.

The mischief happened early Sunday morning. Police say the suspects fled west along Emma Street to Lacroix Street.

Last year, ongoing damage to the helipad lasted for about five months.