HARTFORD, IL — An ARCH Air Medical helicopter crashed and caught fire during a nighttime training exercise in Hartford, Illinois, shortly after 9:00 p.m. Wednesday.

The crash occurred near the intersection of South Delmar Avenue and West Hawthorne Street, just across from a local fire station in Madison County.

According to initial reports, the aircraft struck a tree approximately 50 feet off the ground while attempting to lift off.

The impact caused the helicopter to flip and crash, igniting a fire upon impact.

Witnesses at the scene reported seeing two individuals exit the helicopter as it caught fire.

Emergency responders arrived within minutes, rescuing the individuals and working quickly to extinguish the flames. A third person was later recovered from the scene.

Officials confirmed that three individuals involved in the crash were transported to area hospitals — two by ground ambulance and one by air.

Their conditions have not yet been released, and no fatalities have been reported at this time.

The crash site is located just yards from a fire station, which allowed first responders to begin rescue and fire suppression efforts almost immediately.

Authorities from local and federal agencies are currently investigating the incident.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have been notified and are expected to lead the investigation into the cause of the crash.

The helicopter was conducting a standard training operation at the time of the incident. ARCH Air Medical, a critical care air transport provider serving the Midwest, has not yet issued an official statement.

This remains a developing story.

Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.