Local News
ARCH Medical Helicopter Crashes During Training Exercise in Hartford
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.
Local News
Train Derails in Ferguson Involving Vehicles, Hazmat Team Called Over Ethyl Alcohol Rail Car
FERGUSON, Mo. — A train derailment involving vehicles prompted an emergency response in Ferguson on Ferguson Avenue, where authorities requested a hazardous materials team after determining that one of the train cars contained ethyl alcohol.
Emergency units were dispatched to 617 Ferguson Avenue after reports of the rail incident. Responders found a train that had derailed with vehicles involved.
Officials confirmed there was no reported entrapment. Crews were checking the scene for injuries and evaluating those involved in the incident.
A Hazmat response was requested because one rail car involved in the derailment was carrying ethyl alcohol. Emergency crews were assessing the rail car for any potential leak or hazardous condition and working to secure the area.
The presence of ethyl alcohol prompted additional safety precautions while responders examined the derailed train and surrounding vehicles.
At this time, authorities have not released details about possible injuries, the cause of the derailment or the extent of damage.
The investigation and emergency response remain ongoing in Ferguson, and officials are expected to provide additional information once the scene has been fully assessed.