Jackson, Miss. – A medical helicopter from the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) crashed Tuesday afternoon in a heavily wooded area near the Natchez Trace Parkway, resulting in multiple fatalities, according to local officials.

The AirCare helicopter went down in a remote location south of the Natchez Trace and north of Pipeline Road.

A Madison County official confirmed that there were fatalities but did not specify the number of victims.

“We are on the scene of a medical helicopter crash in a heavily wooded area. There are fatalities. We are now awaiting the arrival of the FAA. Any other information should come from them,” the official stated.

In an email statement, Dr. LouAnn Woodward, Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs at UMMC, confirmed that the helicopter was carrying:

• A Med-Trans pilot
• Two UMMC employee crew members
• No patients were on board at the time of the crash

Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims.

Emergency responders, including the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Gluckstadt Fire Department, and multiple first responder teams, are on the scene.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is expected to take over the investigation to determine the cause of the crash.

UMMC operates the AirCare medical flight program, which includes helicopters based in Jackson, Meridian, Columbus, and Greenwood.

These helicopters are used to transport critically ill or injured patients to UMMC and other hospitals across the state.

Authorities are expected to release additional details as the investigation progresses.