Article content

A green laser beam struck an air ambulance as it approached an Ottawa-area hospital over the weekend.

“Shining a laser at an aircraft is not only illegal, it is extremely dangerous and puts the safety of our patients, crew and aircraft at risk,” Ornge said Tuesday.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Ornge helicopter targeted by laser on approach to Ottawa-area hospital Back to video

The helicopter was transferring a patient when the Ottawa-based crew noticed the laser beam at about 10:18 p.m. Saturday. There was no effect on the flight but air traffic control and police were notified.

A pointed laser can cause temporary or even permanent blindness, an Ornge spokesman said.

Pointing lasers at aircraft can distract pilots or create glare in the cockpit, further causing harm to a potentially critically-injured patient or distract or injure a paramedic, he said.

The Aeronautics Act allows for fines of up to $100,000 and up to five years in prison for pointing a laser at an aircraft.

Ornge asks that anyone who witnesses it contact police and Transport Canada.

ALSO IN THE NEWS

Ottawa is getting a new food and wine festival at the Shaw Centre

Disgraced Ottawa lawyer turned child-sex fugitive taught kids while on the lam

Portable flagpole, red carpet, Lululemon jacket: The fine details of hosting Royals in Canada