Medical Helicopter Targeted by Laser in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Authorities say a medical helicopter was targeted with a laser beam as it was landing at a Springfield hospital.

Springfield airport Director Mark Hanna says the crew reported the incident to the Springfield control tower around 5 p.m. Wednesday. It was landing at HSHS St. John’s Hospital. No one was hurt.

The Springfield State Journal Register says that the incident was one of more than 20 reported laser strikes on aircraft across the country overnight Wednesday.

It is illegal to direct laser pointers at aircraft because they can distract pilots.

Authorities are investigating the Springfield incident.