Local News
Search Underway in Gila Bend, Arizona, Following Reports of Possible Plane Crash Near State Route 85
In Gila Bend, Arizona, multiple emergency response agencies are actively conducting a search around State Route 85 near Mile Marker 134 following reports of a possible plane crash in the area.
Despite extensive efforts, the crash site has yet to be located.
The United States Air Force (USAF) has joined the search operation, though details regarding the type of aircraft involved remain unknown at this time.
Additionally, authorities have confirmed another aircraft incident at the intersection of Beltline and Riggs Road, where a plane was found downed.
Fortunately, there are no reported injuries in this incident. Officials are investigating to determine if the two events may be connected.
Emergency responders urge travelers in the vicinity of SR-85 and Riggs Road to remain cautious and to follow instructions from local authorities as the situation continues to develop.
Further information will be provided as it becomes available.
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ala. — Authorities have identified the woman killed in a fatal crash Monday morning that also left a child injured in Jefferson County.
According to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office, the victim has been identified as 32-year-old Erica Nicole Austin, a resident of Birmingham.
The collision occurred early Monday morning and involved a passenger vehicle and a dump truck, said Center Point Fire District Chief Brandon Dahlen.
Emergency crews were dispatched to the scene shortly after the crash was reported.
Upon arrival, first responders found Austin critically injured. Despite efforts to assist, she was pronounced dead at the scene at 6:46 a.m.
A child who was traveling with Austin sustained injuries in the collision and was transported by Center Point Fire and Rescue to Children’s of Alabama for treatment. The child’s condition has not been released.
The driver of the dump truck was not injured, officials confirmed.
The impact of the collision led to a complete closure of the roadway for approximately five hours as authorities worked to investigate the scene and clear the wreckage.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Accident Reconstruction Team is leading the investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the deadly crash.
No additional details have been released at this time.