A tragic helicopter crash in Madison County, Mississippi, claimed the lives of three people on Monday afternoon, according to the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC). The aircraft, a Eurocopter EC-135 medical transport helicopter, went down in a wooded area around 1:15 p.m. local time, as confirmed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The helicopter was owned and operated by Med-Trans, a company specializing in emergency medical transportation. UMMC confirmed that no patients were on board at the time of the crash. The three victims were two crew members and a pilot, whose families were being notified.
In a statement posted on Facebook, UMMC expressed deep sorrow over the loss. The statement confirmed that the helicopter, known as AirCare 3 and based in Columbus, had crashed in a rural part of Madison County, north of the Reservoir. Officials stated that there were no survivors from the accident.
The FAA immediately launched an investigation into the crash, and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced that it would send a team to the site to conduct a thorough investigation beginning Tuesday. Authorities are working to determine the cause of the accident.
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves addressed the tragedy in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), calling it a heartbreaking reminder of the risks that first responders face daily in their efforts to save lives. He emphasized that the state would always honor and remember the sacrifice of those lost in the crash.
The crash adds to a series of recent aviation incidents across the United States. The safety of medical transport helicopters remains a critical concern, as these aircraft are frequently used for life-saving missions in challenging conditions. Investigators will analyze factors such as weather conditions, aircraft maintenance records, and pilot communications to determine the cause of the crash.
UMMC, Med-Trans, and local authorities extended condolences to the families of the victims and thanked emergency responders for their efforts at the crash site. Further updates are expected as investigations progress.
