A medical transport helicopter crashed in Mississippi on Monday, killing the pilot and two hospital workers on board. The accident happened around 12:30 p.m. in Madison County while the helicopter was returning to Columbus after transporting a patient.
Dr. LouAnn Woodward, vice chancellor for health affairs at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC), shared the heartbreaking news in a press conference. She stated that this was the first crash in the 29 years of AirCare emergency services operation.
The cause of the crash is still unknown, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other authorities are investigating the incident. The university did not provide further details but assured that the families of the victims had been informed. However, their names have not been released to the public for privacy reasons.
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves expressed his condolences in a Facebook post. He called it a tragic reminder of the dangers first responders face daily to keep people safe. He also said that the state will always remember their sacrifice.
Emergency crews were called to the crash site near the Natchez Trace Parkway shortly before 1 p.m. on Monday. The accident occurred just hours after another plane crash was reported in Pennsylvania.
On Sunday afternoon, a small aircraft crashed in a residential area near the Brethren Village Retirement Community in Manheim Township, Lancaster County. Several people were injured in that accident. Authorities reported that the aircraft, identified as N347M, took off from Lancaster Airport at 3:15 p.m. but crashed soon after for unknown reasons.
In another aviation-related issue, American Airlines announced changes to its boarding process in an effort to reduce wait times.
Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump is facing criticism for multiple plane crashes that have occurred during his administration. Critics point out that his decision to cut funding for the FAA, halt key safety programs, and freeze air traffic control hiring may have contributed to these incidents. When questioned about the latest crash, Trump dismissed responsibility, stating that accidents can happen regardless of crew size.
These recent aviation accidents highlight concerns about air travel safety and the challenges faced by pilots, first responders, and passengers. Investigations into the crashes will continue to determine the exact causes and prevent future tragedies.
