Strasbourg hospital suspends night helicopter landings due to prison drones

Emergency helicopter landings at Hautepierre Hospital in Strasbourg have been suspended at night due to illegal drone activity. The drones are being used to deliver contraband, such as drugs and mobile phones, to inmates at the nearby Elsau detention center.

To avoid the risk of mid-air collisions, rescue helicopters from the Civil Security and SAMU are now forced to land at the Nouvel Hôpital Civil in the city center. Patients must then be transferred to Hautepierre by ambulance, a detour that adds 30 to 40 minutes to emergency response times. Medical professionals, including Professor Julien Pottecher, have warned that such delays can be life-threatening, particularly for patients suffering from severe hemorrhages or strokes.

Authorities have noted at least 19 drone sightings in the area since April. While the prison administration has invested in anti-drone technology, the Bas-Rhin prefecture confirmed that night flights have been suspended for approximately three weeks to ensure safety. An investigation into the illegal flights is currently underway.