Local News
Video Shows Moments ARCH Medical Helicopter Crashes in Hartford
HARTFORD, IL — Newly released video footage reveals the harrowing moments of an ARCH Air Medical helicopter crash that occurred during a nighttime training exercise in Hartford, Illinois.
The incident took place around 9:00 p.m. on Thursday in a vacant lot near North Delmar Avenue, directly across from the Hartford Fire Department.
The video shows the helicopter attempting to lift off when one of its rotor blades struck a tree limb approximately 50 feet above ground.
The impact caused the aircraft to lose control, flip, and crash to the ground, where it immediately caught fire.
A thick plume of smoke and the glow of flames could be seen from blocks away.
In the aftermath of the crash, one of the individuals on board — identified in the video by a blue uniform — can be seen walking away from the burning wreckage.
Another survivor is shown being carried on a stretcher to a waiting ambulance.
Emergency personnel from the Hartford, South Roxana, and Wood River Fire Departments quickly responded to the scene.
The crash’s proximity to the fire station allowed first responders to act swiftly, containing the fire and rescuing the occupants.
Officials confirmed that all three people aboard the helicopter survived and were transported to area hospitals.
Two were taken by ground ambulance, while a third was airlifted by another ARCH Air Medical helicopter. Their medical conditions have not yet been released.
The crash resulted in a strong odor of aviation fuel that permeated the downtown Hartford area throughout the evening.
Authorities cordoned off the site while crews worked to stabilize the scene and mitigate any fire hazards.
The helicopter was participating in a routine training mission when the incident occurred.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have been notified and are conducting a full investigation into the cause of the crash.
ARCH Air Medical has not yet released an official statement.
More details will be provided as the investigation continues and additional information becomes available.
Local News
11-Year-Old Girl Critically Injured After Being Struck by Ambulance Near SLAM Charter School in Little Havana
MIAMI, FLORIDA — Authorities in Miami are investigating a departmental crash that occurred Friday morning in Little Havana, where an 11-year-old girl was struck by a Miami Fire Rescue ambulance responding to an emergency call with a patient on board.
The incident took place around 542 NW 12th Avenue, near SLAM Miami Charter School and just blocks from LoanDepot Park, according to Miami Police.
Witnesses at the scene reported that the child was crossing the street in a marked crosswalk on her way to school when the ambulance—identified as Rescue 4—approached the intersection with its emergency lights activated.
According to witnesses, the vehicle appeared to be traveling at a high rate of speed en route to the hospital when it struck the girl.
Emergency crews immediately rendered aid, and the victim, who sustained severe traumatic injuries, was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Her current condition has not been released.
In a statement, SLAM Miami Charter School confirmed that the injured child is one of their students and said the school is in contact with the family and providing ongoing support and counseling resources to students and staff affected by the incident.
“It was a shocking scene,” one witness told reporters, describing the moments following the impact as chaotic and emotional.
Miami Police confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine the exact circumstances of the crash.
Authorities have temporarily closed NW 12th Avenue between NW 4th and NW 7th Streets while investigators process the scene.
Motorists are urged to avoid the area and seek alternate routes as the investigation continues.