Local News
Mass Casualty incident declared as fire truck crashes on Orange County freeway in Irvine
At least 12 people injured after fire department vehicle crashes on a Orange County freeway in Irvine, California.
A devastating accident has occurred in Orange County, California, near the ongoing Airport Fire.
A wildland firefighter transport vehicle carrying approximately a dozen crew members was involved in a serious crash.
At least six firefighters are in critical condition, with two others sustaining moderate injuries, after a hand crew truck reportedly struck a ladder on the road, collided with a guardrail, and overturned.
The incident has triggered a Mass Casualty Event declaration.
Emergency responders are on the scene, providing medical assistance to the injured firefighters. Multiple medevac helicopters are transporting patients to nearby hospitals.
The cause of the crash is currently under investigation, and authorities have closed the highway for at least five hours.
We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
HARTFORD, IL — Newly released video footage reveals the harrowing moments of an ARCH Air Medical helicopter crash that occurred during a nighttime training exercise in Hartford, Illinois.
The incident took place around 9:00 p.m. on Thursday in a vacant lot near North Delmar Avenue, directly across from the Hartford Fire Department.
The video shows the helicopter attempting to lift off when one of its rotor blades struck a tree limb approximately 50 feet above ground.
The impact caused the aircraft to lose control, flip, and crash to the ground, where it immediately caught fire.
A thick plume of smoke and the glow of flames could be seen from blocks away.
In the aftermath of the crash, one of the individuals on board — identified in the video by a blue uniform — can be seen walking away from the burning wreckage.
Another survivor is shown being carried on a stretcher to a waiting ambulance.
Emergency personnel from the Hartford, South Roxana, and Wood River Fire Departments quickly responded to the scene.
The crash’s proximity to the fire station allowed first responders to act swiftly, containing the fire and rescuing the occupants.
Officials confirmed that all three people aboard the helicopter survived and were transported to area hospitals.
Two were taken by ground ambulance, while a third was airlifted by another ARCH Air Medical helicopter. Their medical conditions have not yet been released.
The crash resulted in a strong odor of aviation fuel that permeated the downtown Hartford area throughout the evening.
Authorities cordoned off the site while crews worked to stabilize the scene and mitigate any fire hazards.
The helicopter was participating in a routine training mission when the incident occurred.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have been notified and are conducting a full investigation into the cause of the crash.
ARCH Air Medical has not yet released an official statement.
More details will be provided as the investigation continues and additional information becomes available.