Local News
Search Underway in Gila Bend, Arizona, Following Reports of Possible Plane Crash Near State Route 85
In Gila Bend, Arizona, multiple emergency response agencies are actively conducting a search around State Route 85 near Mile Marker 134 following reports of a possible plane crash in the area.
Despite extensive efforts, the crash site has yet to be located.
The United States Air Force (USAF) has joined the search operation, though details regarding the type of aircraft involved remain unknown at this time.
Additionally, authorities have confirmed another aircraft incident at the intersection of Beltline and Riggs Road, where a plane was found downed.
Fortunately, there are no reported injuries in this incident. Officials are investigating to determine if the two events may be connected.
Emergency responders urge travelers in the vicinity of SR-85 and Riggs Road to remain cautious and to follow instructions from local authorities as the situation continues to develop.
Further information will be provided as it becomes available.
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.