A medical helicopter crashed on Monday in Mississippi, resulting in the deaths of three onboard – a pilot and two staff members from a hospital.
The incident occurred at approximately 12.30 pm (local time), near the intersection of Highway 43 and the Natchez Trace Parkway. The collision site was located in a densely forested region, positioned between the Trace’s southern edge and Pipeline Road’s northern boundary.
“This afternoon, an AirCare helicopter had an accident in Madison County, north of the Ross Barnett Reservoir. Two UMMC employee crew members and a Med-Trans pilot were on board. There was no patient aboard. Law Enforcement and first-response units have responded to the scene and families are being contacted. We will share more information when possible,” read the statement.
While the families of the deceased were informed, the names have not been revealed publicly.
According to WAPT television, Various emergency response teams converged on the densely forested location. The responding units included law enforcement from Madison County Sheriff’s Office and Madison Police Department. Additionally, Madison County Emergency Operations coordinated with fire services from Gluckstadt and Pearl Fire Departments. The Mississippi Highway Patrol was also present at the scene, along with several other firefighting units while the Federal Aviation Administration officials were heading to the site.
“It’s a tragic reminder of the risks Mississippi’s first responders take every day to keep us safe,” Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves said on Facebook. “Our state will never forget the sacrifice of these heroes.”
The medical university or the authorities have not yet provided a reason for the crash.
