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
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.