Local News
AirCare Helicopter Crashes in Madison County, Pilot and UMMC employees killed
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.
UMMC AirCare Crew Identified in Fatal Helicopter Crash Near Natchez Trace
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.
Local News
Multiple Injuries Reported After Passenger Transport Vehicle Strikes Gate at Dulles International Airport
DULLES, Va. — Several passengers were injured Sunday after a mobile lounge, also known as a “People Mover,” collided with a gate at Washington Dulles International Airport, authorities confirmed.
According to the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA), the incident occurred as the People Mover was transporting passengers from an arriving flight to Concourse D. While approaching the docking area, the vehicle reportedly struck the building at an angle, resulting in multiple injuries among those onboard.
Emergency medical personnel from MWAA Fire and Rescue responded promptly to the scene and began assessing the injured passengers.
Officials said several individuals were being evaluated for their injuries, though an exact number and the extent of those injuries have not yet been released.
An airport spokesperson stated that despite the incident, overall airport operations remained normal and no significant service disruptions were reported.
The People Mover vehicles, an iconic feature of Dulles International Airport since its early years, are primarily used to transport passengers between terminals, particularly for international arrivals and departures.
Authorities have not yet disclosed what caused the collision, and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash is ongoing.